Synchronous Online Simulation Games for Development of Speaking Skills in EFL

KRAHULEC, Ondřej. Synchronous Online Simulation Games for Development of Speaking Skills in EFL. In StuKAn 2016 - An interdisciplinary student conference in English linguistics, literature and culture. 2016.

Basic information

• Original name: Synchronous Online Simulation Games for Development of Speaking Skills in EFL
• Name in Czech: Využití synchronních online simulačnch her pro rozvoj řečové dovednosti mluvení v rámci angličtiny jako cizího jazyka
• Authors: KRAHULEC, Ondřej (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution).
• Edition: StuKAn 2016 - An interdisciplinary student conference in English linguistics, literature and culture, 2016.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 50301 Education, general; including training, pedagogy, didactics [and education systems]
• Country of publisher: Czech Republic
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14410/16:00104537
• Organization unit: Faculty of Education
• Keywords (in Czech): simulační hry; synchronní e-learning; angličtina jako cizí jazyk; hraní rolí; rozvoj řečové dovednosti mluvení; zkušenostní učení
• Keywords in English: Simulation games; synchronous e-learning; English as a foreign language; role-playing; game-based learning; experiential education; development of speaking skills

Abstract

This presentation introduces ideas and findings of the project that later became a part of the author’s master’s thesis. The work focuses on the use of synchronous online simulation games for development of speaking skills in e-learning courses of English as a foreign language. For this purpose 2 complex synchronous activities (scenarios) were created and incorporated into an existing e-learning course at Masaryk University in Brno. They were developed in order to provide students with opportunities to practise their speaking skills in two immersive scenarios. 21 students took part in the initial pilot of the project; they tested the activities and provided feedback for the designer; furthermore, the scenarios were also evaluated internally by the designer. The concept of the activities is based on the ideas of synchronous e-learning, role-playing, simulation, game-based learning, experiential education and paradigms of constructivism and social constructivism applied to the field of foreign language learning. The activities based on the aforementioned principles proved to be a viable solution for incorporating interactive speaking practice into the online course. The technology chosen for conducting the scenarios was implemented without major difficulties. Furthermore, most of the students claimed that they subjectively perceived language objectives set for the activities as fulfilled (87 %) and they expressed their satisfaction with the scenarios. However, based on internal and external evaluation, improvements were suggested and implemented; for example, a new interactive form that guided students throughout one of the games was introduced.

Links

• MUNI/A/1277/2016, interní kód MU: Name: Výzkum učení a vyučování cizím jazykům (Acronym: AKTEV VI.)

Investor: Masaryk University, Category A