Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

Problem and Context

Statement of the Problem

Research Questions

Context and Participants

Expected Impact

CHAPTER 2

Theoretical Perspectives and State of the Art

Theoretical Perspectives

Listening Comprehension in EFL

The Use ofHypermedia in Language Learning

Cooperative and Collaborative Learning

Notions of Culture

Intercultural Communicative Competence

Learning Autonomy

Learning Strategies

State of the Art

Research on Culture and Technology

Research on Fostering Listening in EFL Education

CHAPTER 3

Design and Implementation of the Hypermedia Proposal

A [ourney Through the US Culture

Conceptual Design

Graphic Design

The Listening Design

The Intercultural Design

CHAPTER 4

Research Design and Data Analysis Procedure

Research Methodology:A Qualitative Case Study

Instruments for Data Collection

Researchers'Role

Data Analysis Procedures

CHAPTER 5

Research findings

Findings for the First Research Question

First Category:The Graphic and Methodological Design of the Hypertext Generates

Motivation and Facilitates Listening Comprehension of Cultural Content

Second Category:The Methodological Design Fosters the Development of Intercultural Competence

Third Category:The Hypermedia Learning Environment Fosters the Consolidation of Linguistic Knowledge,the Integration ofLanguage Skills,and the Awareness of Teaching Strategies

Fourth Category:The Hypermedia Learning Environment Promotes

Cooperative and Collaborative Learning

Findings for the Second Research Question

First Category:Learners are Aware ofTask Demands

Second Category:Learners Use Strategic Knowledge About Themselves

to Regulate the Learning Process

Third Category:Learners are Aware that Dialog,Interaction,and [oint Work Enhance Iheir Learning

CHAPTER 6

Conclusions,Pedagogical Implications,Limitations,and Further Research

Pedagogical Implications

Limitations

Further Research

References

APPENDIXES

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Biodata

Author Index

Subject Index

List ofFigures

Figure 1. Screen to Log In

Figure 2. Menu ofThematic Maps

Figure 3. Sample of Menu Button to Listen to the Audios

Figure 4. Map of the Cultural Regions of the U nited States

Figure 5. BriefDescription of a Cultural Region

Figure 6. Sample of Images of Cultural Facts About Alaska

Figure 7. Sample of a Navigation Bar Within Each Region

Figure 8. Example of the Links to the Audios in Each Region

Figure 9. Sample ofthe Access to Audios and Listening Tasks

Figure 10. Sample of Instructions for the Listening Test

Figure 11. Sample of "Soundtrack Control" Button

Figure 12. Sample ofVisual Material Incorporated in the Hypermedia Environment

Figure 13. Sample ofReflection Questions About Cultural Content

Figure 14. Sample of the Users' Technical File

Figure 15. Sample of a Semantic Map (Ohio)

List of Tables

Table 1. Examples ofOperations and Tasks Performed by Students

Table 2. Students Perceptions of the Methodological Proposal Developed in A lourney Through the us Culture

Table 3. Learners Strategies Used to Solve Listening Tasks

Filtros

Fostering Listening Skills and Initial Intercultural Communicative Competence in EFL PreService Teachers Through the Use of ICT