Podcasts for French language leaners

The following website http://www.learnoutloud.com/Podcast-Directory/Languages/French/French-for-Beginners-Video-Podcast/28273#3 offers a variety of audio and video podcasts for all different levels of French language learners. I chose the video podcast # 8 which beginner students can easily use to learn the new vocabulary. I liked the visual aspect of the podcast which was very clear in the way it addressed the new words.

The new vocabulary included names of European countries. While listening to the speaker students were introduced to the new words by looking at the map of Europe with a cursor pointing each time to the appropriate country. A spelling represenation was provided with every word introduced. The speaker followed a relatively slow pace which I believe is appropriate for beginner level students and repeated at least twice the name of each country giving to the students the opportunity to notice the pronunciation.

I think the specific podcast could easily be used by students. The pace is appropriately slow and the visual environment succesfully introduces the new words. An aspect that I did not like is related to the sound control features that were non existent. Students are not able to go back and forth. However, they have to completely stop the podcast and start all over again.

http://www.parisbypod.com/2009/05/28/photo-reportage-%e2%80%9cla-course-des-parisiennes%e2%80%9d-4/

The above website includes a podcast of a real life situation where students have the opportunity to listen to a reporter's account of a race that takes place once a year in France. The podcast is mostly appropriate for intermediate level students. Students can practice their listening skills and learn new vocabulary. I liked the pictures that students are provided with and how each picture is followed by a sentence with the new underlined words.
Teachers could prepare follow up questions that would check the students' listening and vocabulary comprehension. Since the topic of the podcast refers to a real life situation a speaking activity could also follow the podcast with students developing a discussion over common races taking place in their countries or their own experiences.