Gamification is incorporating
game elements and mechanics into non-gaming websites and software such as
educational course work. Especially, it can be used to enhance learners’
language use in more exciting environments. (refer to '7 things You Should Know about Gamification")
Il Desino is a point-and-click game in which
you explore the car show room and find objects which interact with each other
and solve puzzles in order to get the sports car out. I have played this game three
times because I love cars and games and found it very interesting. The topic of
this game could appeal to boys especially for the same reason. To play this
game you will have to use the decent amount of reading skills to read the
walkthrough. Basically, the game can be played as a reading activity with the
walk through. However, you can use it more various format including this
activity:
Reading
Race
Objectives
1. Students will be able to read the
walk-through text and follow the directions when they listen to the text.
2. Students will be able to speak and write
imperative sentences using the verb: get, find, zoom in, get, walk, turn off,
open, pick up etc.
Preparation
1. Divide students into groups of three or
four.
2. Provide the group worksheet
2. Provide the group worksheet
3. Put the full text of the Intro page of
the game on tables in the back of the room.
Activity
1. In a group the students answer the
questions on the group worksheet using the text in the back by scanning
strategy but one member of each group can go back at a time. The member is not
allowed to bring the group walk sheet.
2. One by one, they answer the the question
by going to the back and be prepared to play the game.
3. As soon as they complete the worksheet,
they can start to apply it for the game. It’s a “listen-and-do” format
basically. When they do this, one member is sitting in front of the computer
while another member is sitting the other end of table facing the gamer. Teacher
gives a sheet of the walkthrough only to this member. The other members can
help them communicate well.
4. This is team competition based on the
problem-solving task on the game Il Destino.
Other than the controller, facilitator, and
group organizer, the teacher in this lesson has the following roles:
1. The teacher develops the group worksheet
by making several comprehension questions about the Intro page of this game.
- If the
students are not familiar with the scanning strategy, the teacher explains and
show how to use the strategy.
2. The groups can ask the teacher up to
three questions regarding the walkthrough.
3. When they struggle with technical
problem, the teacher is expected to help.
This sounds like a good game plan, but the only way to be it works or to refine it, is to try it out in the classroom. I hope you will have the opportunity to do that and will share your results on one of the teacher networking sites.
ReplyDeleteYes, I did not realize there are so many games that we can use to practice English. I will try this as a vacation assignment first.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good place to start to see how it goes. However, don't forget that assessment would be of great value in determining if the game assignments were valuable.
ReplyDelete