Second language learning in the context of massively multiplayer online games: A scoping review

Abstract

This review examines the second language acquisition (SLA) literature with regard to the role of “massively multiplayer online games” (MMOGs) in second language (L2) learning. It focuses on commercially developed off-the-shelf (COTS) MMOGs only (some of them modified for educational purposes such as Reinders’ & Wattana’s work). It surveys the current empirical research to find out which aspects of L2 learning have been investigated, how they were studied, and what the findings suggest in relation to L2 learning opportunities and outcomes within and beyond MMOG contexts. We synthesized the findings of 31 studies reporting empirical evidence about the role of MMOGs in L2 learning. We observed that the empirical research in this area is mainly qualitative and that L2-related motivational and affective factors, L2 vocabulary, and learners’ communicative competence (or discourse management strategies) are the most widely investigated topics. Based on the findings, our paper presents a model that depicts hypothetical interrelationships among (a) MMOG designed settings, (b) the social and affective affordances provided in these settings, (c) L2 learning opportunities, and (d) the L2 learning outcomes achieved. We conclude that MMOGs provide socially supportive and emotionally safe (i.e. low-language-anxiety) environments that afford multiple opportunities for L2 learning and socialization, which, in turn, help L2 learners to enrich their L2 vocabulary repertoire and enhance their communicative competence in the target language.

A scoping review of digital game-based technology on English language learning

“…Although extensive empirical evidence of DGBLL has been collected, there is a paucity of reviews with a focus on DGBLL (e.g., Chiu et al, 2012;Hung et al, 2016;Hung et al, 2018;Jabbari & Eslami, 2018;Peterson, 2016), especially on the learning of English as a second/foreign language. It is important to canvas the literature on how DGBLL has been used to develop ESL and EFLs' learning, particularly because increasing attention has been given to language learning with the use of digital games over the implementation of non-digital strategies (Boyle et al, 2016;Hung, Yang, Hwang, Chu, & Wang, 2018).…”

“…In addition, three systematic reviews on DGBLL (Hung, Chang, & Yeh, 2016;Hwang & Wu, 2012;Klimova & Kacet, 2017) and one review on MMORPGs (Peterson, 2016) were performed. We were only able to identify two scoping reviews (Hung et al, 2018;Jabbari & Eslami, 2018) on DGBLL (See Table 1).…”

A Scoping Review of the “Nest/Nnest Studies” in Turkey: A Country in Focus

“…From a methodological standpoint, the current investigation is defined as a scoping review (Arksey & O'Malley, 2005;Levac et al, 2010)-a systematic and rigorous approach that enables researchers to map the key concepts underpinning a research area with direct connections to the primary sources and main types of evidence (Mays et al, 2001). Scoping reviews have recently been adopted as a powerful methodological tool by scholars in the examination of various topics in applied linguistics such as World Englishes research (Author, 2020), heritage language learners (Visonà & Plonsky, 2019), massively multiplayer online games (Jabbari & Eslami, 2019), study abroad contexts (Tullock & Ortega, 2017) and non-teacher/non-peer interlocutors (Gurzynski-Weiss & Plonsky, 2017). Unlike literature reviews or systematic reviews, a scoping review "tends to address broader topics where many different study designs might be applicable" (Arksey & O'Malley, 2005, p. 20).…”

“…To highlight the inherent problem associated with the term, it has been consistently used in quotation marks in the title and throughout the paper. (Gurzynski-Weiss & Plonsky, 2017;Hillman et al, 2020;Jabbari & Eslami, 2019;Tullock & Ortega, 2017;Visonà & Plonsky, 2019).…”

The use of avatars in digital role-playing games (RPGs) in computer-assisted language learning (CALL)

“…The discussion in the remainder of this section provides an overview of key findings reported in the literature. (Jabbari and Eslami 2018;Peterson 2011;.…”