Learning Strategies and Learner Attitudes in the Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game Cube World

Abstract

The rapid progress of technology has revolutionized learning and in the field of computer assisted language learning, use of digital games has expanded significantly. One type of game that has been attracting interest is massively multiplayer online role-playing games (henceforth MMORPGs). Recent research has drawn attention to the potential of these games as arenas for language learning (Peterson, 2013). This presentation will analyze the findings of exploratory work focusing on the use of the MMORPG Cube World involving a group of EFL learners at a university in Japan. Data analysis from text chats, learner feedbacks and in-class recordings revealed that the interactive language exchanges between players when they communicate and collaborate with each other in the game have been identified as potentially beneficial for language learners. The data further showed that the participants viewed language learning through Cube World as fun and motivating. This suggests that learner participation in network-based MMORPGs provide an arena for learner centered social interaction that offers valuable opportunities for target language practice. MMORPGs offer the potential for language learner to enrich their development of communicative competence but there are still more additional studies and potential areas to explore for future research.



Author Information
Shu Li Goh, Kyoto University, Japan

Paper Information
Conference: ACLL2016
Stream: Learning Strategies

This paper is part of the ACLL2016 Conference Proceedings (View)
Full Paper
View / Download the full paper in a new tab/window


Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile

Comments

Share on activity feed

Powered by WP LinkPress

Share this Research

Posted by James Alexander Gordon