Gamification of Language Learning Practices with Digital Technology

对计算机辅助语言学习的研究表明，使用图像和视频等多媒体材料可以提供比单独使用文本更丰富的线索，从而促进对新单词和短语的解释和记忆。手机游戏和虚拟现实(VR)等沉浸式学习技术将游戏体验与语言习得融为一体。成年消费者已经对使用尖端游戏技术学习新语言产生了兴趣，比在非技术环境中更快、更全面地学习新语言。为了满足这一需求，Speax公司目前正在开发Speax：法语，这是一款面向初学者的软件，通过一个独立的移动语言学习应用程序提供，具有可下载的插曲内容，并以一种以前从未用于此类产品的方式集成了语音技术。然而，虽然目前的技术包含数字游戏组件，但它需要经过用户体验测试，并扩展到沉浸式VR技术环境，才能完全实现该公司对沉浸式语言学习应用程序的愿景。这项资助的目标是研究移动和VR游戏技术，在保持学习目标的同时，提供身临其境和具有挑战性的玩家体验。按照以用户为中心的开发方法，研究小组将建立并科学分析游戏技术的有效性。由于研究团队在设计和评估复杂的互动学习技术体验以及分析沉浸式技术方面拥有经验，我们将专注于研究不同学习技术如何影响玩家在移动和VR游戏环境中的沉浸式体验的技术参数。首先，我们将进行回顾，以确定游戏的技术沉浸感、玩家体验和参与度因素，以及语言学习的互动体验，特别强调语言习得和虚拟现实。在此文献回顾的基础上，我们将对该软件的游戏开发提出建议。最后，我们将构建一个沉浸式技术原型，帮助公司朝着沉浸式语言学习游戏的目标前进。

Research on computer-assisted language learning has shown that the use of multimedia materials such as images and videos can facilitate interpretation and memorization of new words and phrases by providing richer cues than text alone. Immersive learning technologies, such as mobile games and virtual reality (VR), blend gaming experiences with language acquisition. Adult consumers have become interested in using leading-edge game technology to learn new languages faster and more comprehensively than in non-technology settings. Meeting this demand, Speax, Inc. is currently building Speax: French, a software for beginners, which is delivered through one standalone mobile language-learning application, with downloadable episodic content, and which integrates speech technology in a manner that has never before been used for this type of product. However, while the current technology has digital game components, it needs to be user-experience-tested and expanded into an immersive VR technology setting to fully realize the vision of the company for an immersive language learning application. The goal of this grant is to study mobile and VR gaming technology that provides an immersive and challenging player experience while still retaining learning objectives. Following a user-centred development approach, the research team will be building and scientifically analysing the effectiveness of the game technology. As the research team has prior experience with designing and evaluating complex interactive learning technology experiences, as well as analyzing immersive technologies, our focus will be on researching technological parameters of how different learning techniques impact players' immersive experiences in mobile and VR game settings. First, we will conduct a review to identify technology immersion, player experience, and engagement factors for games and interactive experiences for language learning, with special emphasis on language acquisition and VR. Based on this literature review, we will move forward with game development suggestions for the software. Finally, we will build an immersive technology prototype that helps the company advance towards their goal of an immersive language-learning game.