The Design And Evaluation Of Interactive Multimedia Application In L2 Listening Comprehension

This thesis explores the application of interactive multimedia software to second language listening comprehension, based upon the hypotheses from an interactive SLA (second language acquisition) model and factors facilitating L2 listening comprehension. Multimedia computers deliver information through combinations of video, sound, animation, graphics and text in an interactive and user-controlled way. These characteristics make the appropriately designed interactive multimedia software a powerful tool for the development of L2 listening comprehension, but as yet there have been not many SLA interactive multimedia applications and little research into the interactivity of L2 listening comprehension multimedia programs. According to the stages of L2 listening process, factors thought to facilitate L2 listening comprehension are analyzed in detail. The effect of prior knowledge and input, and the role of feedback are found to be significant factors. In addition, this study has summarized, on the basis of SLA theory, the hypotheses for designing L2 listening comprehension programs. And the match between the hypotheses and the technological potential of interactive multimedia are discussed. An interactive multimedia program— College English Listening and Speaking Course (2) and three commercial programs are described and evaluated to present the findings of interactive multimedia applications and the suggestion on further research.