An Online Strategy Game for the Classroom

The importance of Computer-assisted language learning can never be over-estimated. However, our knowledge about the specific ways in which computers shape individuals’ learning experience is very limited. Although we know very little on this specific interaction, one thing is now clear to us: computer assisted language instruction does increase the motivation of the learners. The aim of this presentation is to suggest ways of turning an online strategy game to an instructional tool that may hold learners’ attention, help motivate them, and offer them an authentic context to use the language. The paper will first look at the relation between games, learning, and teaching; then show what the game is, how it is set-up and used in the classroom setting; and finally conclude by analyzing the role technology plays in motivating learners. In doing so, the paper shows how online strategy games can be a valuable instructional tool that can be used in communicative language teaching contexts.