Task Design Using Flow Theory "recent studies show that a gaming approach to language instruction is more intrinsically motivating than non-gaming approaches. "This article explores the ways that goals, feedback and skill/difficulty balance are typically implemented in computer games and tasks. The article touches on constructivism, and that constructivism favors the notion that learning is an active process which alternately involves skill-challenging experiences and reflective thinking. Franciosi compares computer gaming and language learning task design using flow theory, and it turns out computer games and
language learning tasks are fundamentally identical in that both can be considered goal-oriented, rule-driven activities. He points out computer gaming could be used to prepare learners with authentic and real-world communication skills. "Three important insights resulted from this comparison: (1) goals should be concrete, quantifiable objective, and appeal to learner interests; (2) feedback as a means of fostering flow should be considered in addition to feedback as a means of supporting reflection; (3) task difficulty and player skill are ideally balanced moment-by-moment at the individual level."
A “Fun” Online Video Game For English Language Development I found was Phantasy Quest. I played this game once. I thought this game would work well for language learners because you have to search for things and you are stranded on a deserted island. Students need to learn the language as they are trying to figure out how to get off the deserted island. The game motivates them to try and learn more vocabulary words and direction skills faster to then move on to the next level. There seem to be a lot of basic words the students can learn including cat, rope, lantern, clothes, etc. It's just very basic. I'm sure by also playing the game the students will begin to talk to you (the teacher) about how to advance or tell you what they collected. Students will also possibly talk to each other to help each other get further in the game. You could also place students in pairs to help each other during the game and work on more communication skills together. All these strategies are a great way to develop better communication skills and the students are motivated to do it. It's a win, win! A learning objective that I would use for this game is students will learn basic vocabulary words, including direction skills, that will help their future communication skills. Besides the basic communication skills being used with the teacher and students, the teacher will be able to assess that students knowledge of the words they are truly learning from the game. Students could keep a 'new word' journal to look back at. This way you could see if the students are paying attention to the skills being learned or simply trying to get to the next level without grasping any new concepts. While the students were in pairs I would also use a walkthrough so students could work on direction skills and communicating with each other. They would be using team work while building new vocabulary, as well as trying to advance on the game. I would also try and use images from this game around the classroom, so students could continue building their vocabulary, or I could help them in they're having trouble with any words. We could make our own adventure out this game, and be stranded on our own classroom island trying to escape. This game has some advanced words so students may need your help.