Master Thesis presented by Rosa Ínsua Pereira, 2002

Abstract
Today, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are quite present in everyday’s life. This new resource may be used in order to improve Geology teaching and public understanding of Earth Sciences subjects. Taking this into account, a new multimedia document was developed during this work, document which will be available both on-line and off-line (CD-ROM support). This hyperdocument is a virtual field trip to the Peneda-Gerês National Park, focused on a trail in the Pitões das Júnias region. It is intended for those who are interested in Geology and in outdoor activities and, specially, for the pupils and teachers of the Basic and Secondary Teaching. Its main aim is the presentation of educational materials that may contribute to enhance the Earth Sciences teaching/learning and the public awareness of the geological heritage of the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the need for its conservation.
The first part of the present work discusses the several preliminary researches that preceded the hyperdocument production. After a short introduction in which aims and target-public are defined (chapter one), the evolution of ICT’s integration in teaching is presented (chapter two), assuming the importance of hyperdocuments in the development of a constructivist teaching perspective. In the following chapter (chapter three) the methods and presuppositions in which the construction of the hyperdocument is based are described, such as the structuring and the production of the information, specially those related to html pages.
The geological and geomorphological features of the Peneda-Gerês National Park are briefly treated in chapter four. In chapter five, a detailed description of the trail is made, pointing out several aspects related to its location, geology of the region, general characteristics of the trail and proposed stops. The objectives and aspects that are to be observed and taken into account in each stop are also mentioned. When appropriate, some field activities are suggested.
The main difficulties which were felt during the development of this work are pointed out at the end of the first part of this dissertation. There are also presented some suggestions for the use of this hyperdocument either in an educational or in a recreative context (chapter six).

In the second part of this work the hyperdocument is presented. It consists of a virtual field trip in the surroundings of the Pitões das Júnias village. Taking into account relevant didactic aspects, eight stops were defined. For each one of them, the didactic geological aspects are presented and, whenever possible, some field activities are suggested. As a complement, some information is introduced under the form of text, static and animated images, thus facilitating the comprehension of certain concepts and geological processes. A glossary, a guide book and suggestions for further reading are also available.