The Role of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games in Extramural Second Language Learning: A Literature Review

Year 2018, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 1 - 10, 09.09.2018

Soner Yaşar

https://doi.org/10.31681/jetol.436100

Cited By: 1

Abstract

In recent years, digital game-based language learning has gained a
considerable amount of recognition from researchers and educators alike.
Emerging as one of the most popular digital game genres, massively multiplayer
online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have been at the forefront of online gaming
communities and their popularity has stretched/expanded to the pedagogical
field of second language learning. While the relationship between online gaming
and language acquisition is amply documented in various studies, these have
mainly been in controlled and formal contexts (where player/students
participate in gaming sessions observed by a teacher/researcher in a classroom
setting). Therefore, this literature review particularly focuses on the lesser-studied
aspect of digital gaming; namely in extramural settings of digital engagement.
Published within the last six years, journal articles on this subject have been
perused and five have been chosen as part of this overview which does not aim
at discussing the implementation of digital games into curricula but rather at
presenting the sociocultural and collaborative nature of the gaming experience.
This review also draws attention to common treads within the articles and
points at certain niches for improvement.

Keywords

digital games, language learning, mmorpg

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