Leveraging Mobile Games for Place-Based Language Learning

Author(s):  
Christopher L. Holden ◽  
Julie M. Sykes

This paper builds on the emerging body of research aimed at exploring the educational potential of mobile technologies, specifically, how to leverage place-based, augmented reality mobile games for language learning. Mentira is the first place-based, augmented reality mobile game for learning Spanish in a local neighborhood in the Southwestern United States. This paper explores both the complexities and benefits of integrating mobile games in second and foreign language learning contexts. Relevant background issues are discussed and the Mentira project is described, including an exploration of the setting, narrative, gameplay, and curriculum. Initial findings and future goals are explored. Gameplay, the importance of ’place’ for language learning, is discussed and the role of student buy-in. The paper concludes with future considerations for the continued use of mobile games projects for language learning as well as other disciplines.

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L. Holden ◽  
Julie M. Sykes

This paper builds on the emerging body of research aimed at exploring the educational potential of mobile technologies, specifically, how to leverage place-based, augmented reality mobile games for language learning. Mentira is the first place-based, augmented reality mobile game for learning Spanish in a local neighborhood in the Southwestern United States. This paper explores both the complexities and benefits of integrating mobile games in second and foreign language learning contexts. Relevant background issues are discussed and the Mentira project is described, including an exploration of the setting, narrative, gameplay, and curriculum. Initial findings and future goals are explored. Gameplay, the importance of ’place’ for language learning, is discussed and the role of student buy-in. The paper concludes with future considerations for the continued use of mobile games projects for language learning as well as other disciplines.


Author(s):  
Stella Hadjistassou ◽  
Maria Iosifina Avgousti ◽  
Petros Louca

While the debate on breakthrough technologies has focused on inept, dexterous, and socially transforming technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants and robot dexterity, in second/foreign language learning, particular emphasis is placed on AI, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). This study takes a closer look at the role of three newly developed AR applications in promoting a better understanding of complex concepts such as the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), strategies in dealing with disruptive students, and an immigrant’s perspective in moving to a foreign country with no knowledge of the language(s) spoken in that country. The AR applications were developed and implemented during intercultural exchanges among students enrolled in academic institutions in the UK and Cyprus. The aim was to develop AR applications that were geared toward the learning needs of future language teachers and examine what students could achieve through the use of these applications during goal-driven tasks and activities.


Author(s):  
Aubrey Statti ◽  
Kelly M. Torres

The following chapter will discuss the impact of technology use and mobile learning, specifically augmented reality (AR), in the process of learning a second or foreign language, namely English and Spanish. The chapter will begin with an overview of AR and then include a discussion of the theoretical framework, language learning contexts, as well as AR tools and applications in the process of second or foreign language learning. An overview of the benefits of AR in language learning will also be included, as well as an introduction to AR applications and specific AR systems, platforms, and case studies in language learning. The research will also provide a discussion of the challenges of using AR in language learning contexts, including specific attention to challenges with AR and learning, AR and language learning, and mobile learning as a whole. The chapter will conclude with final thoughts from the authors in terms of potential areas of AR development that are in need of further attention.


Author(s):  
Ivana Šimonová

Abstract ‘Learning is much better with tablets’, today’s pupils and students often say. But, is it really true? Are the mobile devices and mobile technologies the mean performing didactic miracles? Do they really cause students enjoy learning and learn more with less effort? Even an optimist guesses it may not be like this. Do we (teachers) know how the mobile-assisted process of learning runs, what its advantages, weaknesses and limits are, whether learners really remember more, and/or enjoy the learning more? What is the role of the ‘novelty’ factor regarding the latest technologies? Do learners know how to exploit them for education purposes? And last but not least, what are teachers’ competences in this field? These are selected fields we are going to focus on.


2020 ◽  
pp. 933-954
Author(s):  
Aubrey Statti ◽  
Kelly M. Torres

The following chapter will discuss the impact of technology use and mobile learning, specifically augmented reality (AR), in the process of learning a second or foreign language, namely English and Spanish. The chapter will begin with an overview of AR and then include a discussion of the theoretical framework, language learning contexts, as well as AR tools and applications in the process of second or foreign language learning. An overview of the benefits of AR in language learning will also be included, as well as an introduction to AR applications and specific AR systems, platforms, and case studies in language learning. The research will also provide a discussion of the challenges of using AR in language learning contexts, including specific attention to challenges with AR and learning, AR and language learning, and mobile learning as a whole. The chapter will conclude with final thoughts from the authors in terms of potential areas of AR development that are in need of further attention.


Relay Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 228-235
Author(s):  
Paul J. Moore ◽  
Phil Murphy ◽  
Luann Pascucci ◽  
Scott Sustenance

This paper reports on an ongoing study into the affordances of free online machine translation for students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) at the tertiary level in Japan. The researchers are currently collecting data from a questionnaire, task performance, and interviews with 10-15 EFL learners in an English Language Institute in a university in Japan. The paper provides some background on the changing role of translation in language learning theory and pedagogy, before focusing literature related to technical developments in machine translation technology, and its application to foreign language learning. An overview of the research methodology is provided, along with some insights into potential findings. Findings will be presented in subsequent publications.


Author(s):  
Liudmila Vladimirovna Guseva ◽  
Evgenii Vladimirovich Plisov

The article defnes the role of digital means in foreign language learning, establishes the reasons for the effective use of digital means and digital technologies, identifes challenges in mastering a foreign language in an electronic environment, as well as the prospects for the digitalization of foreign language education. When studying the issues of emergency off-campus learning organization, the results of surveys of teachers and students conducted in April 2020 at Minin University were used. image/svg+xml


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Falla Wood

The aim of this article is to try to understand why the results of studies on errors in second language learning undertaken for several decades are diverse or even divergent. Some of these studies state that the mother tongue (L1) plays an important role in the learning process not only at the beginning, but also at higher levels of competency while others deny the influence of the mother tongue. The results of 60 studies on errors over a period of 40 years were contrasted to find out if a link existed between the theoretical foundations, and the interpretation of data, and conclusions of those studies. The results of the meta-analysis of studies whose theoretical foundations were related to operational cognitive strategies showed a continuum from partial to an important role of L1, and those related to order of acquisition, universal sequences showed a non-influence of L1. Another possible cause for this discrepancy was found in the method used to classify the errors. Finally, a possible cause could have been the methodological difficulties concerning the reliability and validity of the data. Only one third of the studies applied the control of bias and the triangulation of data.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document