ELT Sandbox

Promoting language learning through gaming

David Dodgson, TED Ankara College

Image by @acliltoclimb via eltpics

POLL: Do you play video/computer games?

A) Yes, all the time.

B) Yes, occassionally.

C) No, never! Image by @acliltoclimb via eltpics

Games are everywhere!

Games are no longer...

...just for kids. ...mindless ‘bash n’

smash’ affairs. ...full of random

puzzles. ...repetitive. ...linear.

Today’s games...

...are engaging. ...are motivating. ...have complex

storylines. ...demand

problem solving skills.

...encourage critical thinking.

...inspire creativity.

Image by @acliltoclimb via eltpics

Today’s session...

...is about:

game-based learning adapting non-

educational materials exploring possibilities

...is NOT about: gamification educational games simple playing

An example (or two) from my class

http://youtu.be/RU_1Am-AeHs

Lesson Idea 1: A discussionHow can games be useful for language learning?

Image by Steven Andrew Photography

Lesson Idea 1: A discussionWhat do these games have in common?

Lesson Idea 1: A discussion

How can games be useful for language learning?

Lesson Idea 1: A discussion

How can games be useful for language learning?• Reading manuals and in-game

instructions.• Interacting with in-game characters.• Chatting with other online players in

English.• Getting help by reading ‘walkthrough’

guides or watching videos.• Encouragement of dictionary use/

language investigation.

Lesson Idea 1: A discussionWhat are the pros and cons of using games for language learning?

Lesson Idea 1: A discussion

PROS

Motivation You learn in a useful way You learn different vocabulary You learn through play (and

have fun!) You hear different accents/

styles of speaking You can ‘talk’ to other

characters/ players Games don’t give homework!

CONS

Bad language Playing online has some risks Not all vocabulary is useful

when you are not playing Some characters speak in an

unusual way Not everyone enjoys the

same games Players don’t always read the

text/ listen to dialogue

What are the pros and cons of using games for language learning?

More discussion ideas...

• What makes a good/bad game?• Games have changed drastically over

the last 40 years – what does the future hold for gaming?

• Are games social or anti-social?• Tell us about your favourite game!

Lesson Idea 2: Alter-egosUsing avatars to get students using language

Lesson Idea 2a: Introduce your virtual self*

Think of a game you play with your own character.

Note down some basic information about your character.

Introduce your character to the class.

*Also works nicely as a blog activity.

Lesson Idea 2b: Guess who?

Look at these avatars. Which game or

website do you think each avatar is from?

These avatars are all from students in our class! Can you guess who they are?

Describe the differences between the avatar and its creator.

Lesson Idea 2c: Character cards*Create a character card for your avatar like this:

Name: Panam Game: World of Warcraft Species: Panderan Job/Role: Monk Abilities: Cooking,

healing Likes: Eating, questing Appearance: tall, fat,

black and white fur, long beard and moustache

*Higher levels could write a bio

More ideas for avatars...

• Basic descriptions.• Family portrait – make an avatar family with The

Sims!• Use a site like miicharacters.com to find

‘famous’ avatars for a ‘Guess Who?’ game.• Role-play a dialogue between avatars.• Use them as characters in a story.• Avatar dictation – read the description and

create the avatar using a game of your choice.

Lesson Idea 3: Help me escape!Giving/receiving advice and using ‘walkthroughs’

Lesson Idea 3: Help me escape! I am going to show you a game

called Can you escape? This is Level 1. How can I get out of

the room? Help me!

Lesson Idea 3: Help me escape! This is Level 2. It’s really hard! Search for a walkthrough on the

Internet and tell me what to do.

Lesson Idea 3: Help me escape! You’re are getting pretty good at

this! This is Level 3. Play through it with a

partner, note down what you do and write your own walkthrough.

Lesson Idea 3: Help me escape! Now, you are going to make your own

level! How? Go to Room Escape Maker,

register and make your own puzzle. http://doctorfou.com/room-escape-maker

Thanks to Larry Ferlazzo for sharing this site: http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2013/08/06/create-your-own-escape-the-room-game-with-room-escape-maker/

More walkthrough ideas...

• Write a walkthrough for a game of your choice.

• Make a screencasted video walkthrough.• Gap-fill walkthrough – ask them to play

through the level and complete the walkthrough text.

• Write a ‘walkthrough’ style text for a non-gaming activity.

ELT Sandbox

The game has just begun...

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