Conveners
Workshop B2: Play and Learn: Building speaking confidence with digital games in the classroom: Workshop B2
- Michael Hofmeyr (Tokyo University of Science)
Description
A growing body of research in computer-assisted language learning provides evidence that certain kinds of digital games can effectively facilitate second language acquisition. The gamification of learning tasks has attracted much attention in the field over recent years, but there is also ample evidence to suggest that certain digital games that were designed purely for entertainment purposes can serve as effective vehicles for language learning. Learners tend to find such games more engaging than their made-for-education counterparts and these games can be integrated into foreign language classroom activities, made available to students in self-access learning environments, or recommended as effective learning tools to supplement in-class activities.
In this workshop, I will walk participants through an example case of game-based language teaching by providing a step-by-step explanation of how I integrated the cooperative puzzle game Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes (Steel Crate Games, 2015) into an intermediate-level English language course aimed at developing speaking and listening skills. I will also briefly discuss how this game and others that employ similar play dynamics can facilitate language learning, with supporting empirical findings from three studies analysing the language learning opportunities afforded by this game as well as the beliefs and attitudes of learners towards digital game-based language learning more generally. Participants will also have the chance to play the game for themselves during the workshop (all the necessary devices and materials will be provided) and to discuss their impressions and their thoughts on digital game-based learning in an EFL context.
