Although children's use of computer games as tools for learning foreign languages (FL) is on
the rise, we know little about which game elements aid in the FL-learning process. Adhering
to Pinter's (2014) call for conducting research with children as opposed to research on children,
this study asked children working in groups to design computer games to help them
learn FL vocabulary. Our aim was to better understand the elements and structures that,
from children's points of view, are both attractive and effective for FL learning.
The participants were 82 sixth-grade students (11e12 year olds) enrolled in a public primary
school in Japan. The children first discussed and identified game elements and vocabulary
learning elements while examining existing games. Next, they worked in groups to
design computer games based on the elements they identified, presented the game designs
in class using storyboards, and evaluated their own game designs and those of their peers.
The children identified 16 game elements and 8 learning elements. Among the learning
elements the children identified were repeating/reviewing, using multiple modalities and
means, and having control over their own learning. Game elements valued by the children
included challenging, fantasies, self-control, instant feedback, and applause.
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Although children's use of computer games as tools for learning foreign languages (FL) is onthe rise, we know little about which game elements aid in the FL-learning process. Adheringto Pinter's (2014) call for conducting research with children as opposed to research on children,this study asked children working in groups to design computer games to help themlearn FL vocabulary. Our aim was to better understand the elements and structures that,from children's points of view, are both attractive and effective for FL learning.The participants were 82 sixth-grade students (11e12 year olds) enrolled in a public primaryschool in Japan. The children first discussed and identified game elements and vocabularylearning elements while examining existing games. Next, they worked in groups todesign computer games based on the elements they identified, presented the game designsin class using storyboards, and evaluated their own game designs and those of their peers.The children identified 16 game elements and 8 learning elements. Among the learningelements the children identified were repeating/reviewing, using multiple modalities andmeans, and having control over their own learning. Game elements valued by the childrenincluded challenging, fantasies, self-control, instant feedback, and applause.© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
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