ERIC Number: EJ1143358
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2056-9017
EISSN: N/A
The Effects of Group Dynamics on Language Learning and Use in an MMOG
Vosburg, Donald
CALICO Journal, v34 n1 p58-74 2017
The use of video games as a learning tool, in particular massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), continues to grow, as does the research in this field of study; research to date has revealed benefits to the language learner as well as hindrances and research gaps (Godwin-Jones, 2014). This study examines participant perspectives on group dynamics, and how comradery and a foreign language guide affect participants' in-game production of L2 German while playing World of Warcraft (WoW) as an extramural activity. This study focuses on an eight-week long MMOG gaming project, in which two groups of participants played WoW with a native German speaker in order to investigate the effects inter-group dynamics have on a participant's real-time target language production and willingness to communicate. Participants reported during interviews and written journal entries that a lack of shared interests and motivation (learning and gaming) negatively affected the groups' target language participation. The findings additionally suggest that a trained foreign language instructor paired with a motivated learner may result in increased participation; however, these increases may be temporary if a group's relationship does not extend beyond the shared goal of foreign language improvement.
Descriptors: Video Games, Teaching Methods, Educational Technology, Second Language Learning, Simulated Environment, Interviews, Student Journals, Student Participation, Language Teachers, Student Motivation, Student Interests, College Students, German, Student Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Language Usage
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A