Gamifying French Language Learning: A Case Study Examining a Quest-based, Augmented Reality Mobile Learning-tool

Abstract

Across the globe, over 3 billion hours a week are devoted to gaming, and with the ubiquitous presence of mobile technologies, gaming is now also mobile. A well-developed video game will keep a player enthralled for hours on end. What if educators could engage learners the way video games engage players? In fact, many educators are turning to gamification to do just that. Gamification uses game-based mechanics, and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, and promote learning. The principal goal of this research is to assess the potential of a new mobile learning tool Explorez. Explorez was created for first-year University French students in order to bridge the gap between gaming and education through quest-based learning and augmented reality. Using GPS, Explorez transforms the University of Victoria, B.C. campus into a virtual francophone world, where students interact with characters, items, and media as they improve their French language skills and discover their campus. This paper explores potential benefits and limitations to this prototype learning-tool, via a case study.

Gamifying Language Testing through Web-Based Platforms

“…According to [1], -game-based feedback tools like experience points, progress bars, badges, and achievements are motivating and meaningful to students.‖ Games usually offer more consistent feedback, both immediate and delayed, than does the traditional learning. Research conducted by Haskell (as reported in [1]) at the university level indicates that gamification and quest-based learning have had positive impact on students' learning achievement.…”

“…Research conducted by Haskell (as reported in [1]) at the university level indicates that gamification and quest-based learning have had positive impact on students' learning achievement. Those taking a quest-based course were reported to get higher grades compared to those who took a traditional course.…”

“…According to [1], -across the globe, over 3 billion hours a week are devoted to gaming, and with the ubiquitous presence of mobile technologies, gaming is now also mobile.‖ It means that games can keep their players captivated for hours without stopping. How can those games become so absorbing for many people?…”

Maximizing L2 Speaking Practice through iPads

“…Several studies have investigated the affordances of mobile gaming and have reported mixed results of specifically designed games on the participants' language learning, though they may promote more interaction [38]. Most studies report positive student feedback on mobile gaming [39,40]. Others have suggested that mobile games can be effectively combined with content-integrated language learning activities [41] and that place-based mobile games are a great opportunity to connect students with local contexts [42].…”

A Foreign Language Learning Application using Mobile Augmented Reality

“…Moreover, in [5] is presented an AR application used by VET students for basic mathematics skills, which is based on videogames. More studies, such as [6] present a Mobile Augmented Reality solution for learning French language which is based on gamification didactic method. The author, Bernadette Perry, describes gamification as "using gamebased mechanics, aesthetics and game thinking to engage people, motivate action, and promote learning" (p. 2309).…”