The Use of Digital Resources (e.g., YouTube) to Develop Listening Skills in English Language Learners.

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze the influence of YouTube as a digital resource in the development of listening comprehension in secondary school students. The study was conducted in a private educational institution in Santo Domingo, Ecuador. It followed a mixed-methods descriptive desig. . Participants were 33 eighth-grade students and four English teachers selected through convenience sampling. The information was collected through semi-structured interviews, surveys and classroom observations focused on addressing YouTube videos in class, the strategies applied by teachers, and students' reactions during listening comprehension activities. The findings show that video use was associated with better listening comprehension, as well as higher levels of engagement and motivation among students. However, aspects such as internet connectivity and the selection of appropriate videos influenced how this resource was used in practice. Overall, YouTube can contribute to the development of listening comprehension when it is incorporated into well-planned classroom activities and has teacher support during the learning process.