Online Radio: A R & D Project in higher education

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The purpose of this study was to report the findings of research conducted at the English Language and Literature Department of Universitas Negeri Semarang. This is a multi-year study funded by the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education as an effort to improve the students’ speaking skill using online radio. This research uses Research and Development (RND) design by identifying students’ speaking skills and developing radio models on campus. In the first year, the research focuses on introduction and development. The introduction consists of literature studies and needs surveys; while the development includes divergent, convergent, and final processes. Based on the findings of the research, it can be found that the use of English in the daily routine of students is 60.5% (never), 23.7% (always), 7.9% (sometimes), 5, 3% (rare) and 2.6% (often). Then, the students use English as a means of communication on campus 36.8% (often), 36.8% (sometimes), 15.8% (rare) and 10.5% (often). Meanwhile, this study also produced an online radio model. This product can be seen in englishb3.caster.fm. This online product is made by collaborating free available radio software called caster.fm and some material that includes 1) CPU & monitor, 2) cable, 3) microphone, and 4) mixer. This online radio product has also been supervised by Unit of Multimedia Development for Education and Culture (BPMPK), and used in speaking practices by English students.Â