A Review On Educational Computer Games In Efl Classrooms

Year 2017, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 78 - 82, 01.12.2017

Dilek Çakıcı

Abstract

A wealth of research reported that educational
computer games have recently drawn the attention of educators and researchers as
they provide effective learning environment in which to motivate students,
thanks to their attractive features and entertaining aspect. The game is a
well-known concept, which refers the individual to experience simulated real
life situations competitively. Educational game is defined as a type of
software that permits the students to learn course topics or to develop
problem-solving abilities by using game format. In other words, games may be
effective tools for promoting learning and facilitating to comprehend complex
subject matter. It is widely believed that integration of educational computer
games into modern educational system would help to resolve current learning
difficulties. A plethora of educational computer games have been developed to
help students become engaged in the language teaching. Educational computer
games have been introduced to language learners and EFL teachers as an
innovative strategy for improving the quality of language instruction. In that
sense, this review study aims to explore the impact of use of educational games
to language learning and teaching process from different aspects. Afterwards,
necessary factors for the employment and implementing of educational games into
flow of regular language course are presented. The characteristics and examples
of well-designed computer games are defined. In addition, the roles of both
teachers are mentioned. Lastly certain major suggestions will be made to raise
the use of educational computer games in EFL classroom settings.

Keywords

computer games, educational computer games, foreign language

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