A hypermedia project for EAP students. Interactive materials in a virtual learning environment

As EAP lecturers involved in the development of teaching materials and IT (information technology) projects, we have been working on the creation of a web-based learning environment. Our aim is to develop a flexible tool for university students with different levels of English, learning styles and academic interests, which can be used both for blended learning and in a self-access mode. Our interuniversity team1, coordinated by Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya and including lecturers from Universitat de Lleida and Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Tarragona), has created a virtual learning environment called “Quantum LEAP: Learning English for Academic Purposes.” It is a hypermedia project that seeks to help university students improve their communicative skills, both in speech and writing, in situations related to academic contexts. The materials created for the project are based on authentic written and oral texts, involve authentic language use and the integration of skills. In keeping with the guidelines of the EHEA (European Higher Education Area) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF), this web-based learning environment allows for a wide variety of learning routes, including tools to promote autonomy and monitor progress. In this paper, we will present the rationale behind the project and examples of the materials and tools designed. We believe that the lessons learned in the creation of this project can be relevant to other EAP lecturers using IT for the design of courses and materials.