AJ0423 Beyond the Book: Simulations and Task-based Learning in English

Faculty of Education
Spring 2025
Extent and Intensity
0/2/0. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Filip Pultar (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
PhDr. Alena Dobrovolná, Ph.D.
Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Supplier department: Department of English Language and Literature – Faculty of Education
Prerequisites
  • Proficiency in English (B2 level or higher).
  • No prior experience in programming is required.
    • Course Enrolment Limitations
    The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
    The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
    Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/20, only registered: 0/20, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/20
    fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
    there are 11 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
    Course objectives
  • This course aims to offer a comprehensive understanding and practical experience in the creation and implementation of complex simulations within the framework of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT).
  • The course also aims to equip students with the fundamentals of programming within the platform of Twine (HTML, JavaScript, CSS).
  • In addition, it provides a basic understanding of the practical application of various AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT and DALL-E) for the creation of simulations.
    • Learning outcomes
    After completing the course, a student will be able to:
  • demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of simulations within the framework of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and effectively apply these in the creation and implementation of original simulations;
  • utilise basic programming skills within the Twine platform, encompassing HTML, JavaScript, and CSS;
  • utilise various AI tools, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, for the innovative design of simulation activities, demonstrating an understanding of their practical applications in TBLT;
  • analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of created simulations in the context of TBLT, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
    • Syllabus
    • Students will engage in a series of diverse and immersive simulation activities designed to provide a broad spectrum of experiences:
    • 1) The Oldbury Initiative: Navigating the complexities of revitalising a small town.
    • 2) Dead Men Tell No Tales: Embarking on a 17th-century adventure in search of fabled treasure.
    • 3) In the Black: Experiencing the challenges and rewards of running a business.
    • 4) The Portrait of Greed: Solving a mysterious murder in the British countryside in the 1930s.
    • 5) The Dying Embers: Attempting to survive in a city torn by civil conflict.
    • 6) The Red Frontier: Investigating the disappearance of a crew on a Mars colony base.

      Simulation Development
      Students will collaboratively design and develop their own simulation. This process includes:
    • Theme selection: Choosing a compelling and suitable theme for the simulation.
    • Drafting an outline: Structuring the narrative and flow of the simulation.
    • Branching path creation: Writing various storylines and possible endings.
    • Implementation in Twine: Utilising Twine to build and program the simulation.
    • Peer review: Experiencing and providing feedback on simulations created by fellow students.
    Literature
      recommended literature
    • ELLIS, Rod. Task-based language learning and teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003, x, 387. ISBN 0194421597. info
    • NUNAN, David. Task-based language teaching. 1st pub. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004, xv, 222. ISBN 0521549477. info
    • WILLIS, Dave and Jane R. WILLIS. Doing task-based teaching. First published. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007, xv, 278. ISBN 9780194422109. info
    • JONES, Ken. Simulations : a handbook for teachers and trainers. 3rd ed. London: Kogan Page, 1995, 145 s. ISBN 0749416661. info
    Teaching methods
    The course will alternate weekly between two core activities:
  • One week will focus on active participation in simulation activities (in-class group work followed by reflective discussions). These sessions aim to provide practical, experiential learning and foster critical thinking about the simulations' design and implementation.
  • In alternating weeks, students will engage in a semester-long group project, which involves creating an original simulation activity. This project will enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge and programming skills in a collaborative environment.
  • Additionally, there will be several homework assignments directly related to the development of the simulation project.
    • Assessment methods
  • Mandatory attendance: Attend at least 80% of the course sessions.
  • Active participation: Engage actively in the sessions.
  • Homework completion: Complete all assigned homework tasks on time.
  • Group project and peer review: Submit the group project by the deadline and provide feedback on another group's project.
    • Language of instruction
    English
    Further Comments
    The course is taught annually.
    The course is taught: every week.
    The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2023, Spring 2024, Autumn 2024.
    • Enrolment Statistics (Spring 2025, recent)
    • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/ped/spring2025/AJ0423