Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T07:57:26.907Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Computer-assisted learning of communication (CALC): A case study of Japanese learning in a 3D virtual world

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Kasumi Yamazaki
Kasumi Yamazaki*
Affiliation:
University of Toledo, US(email: kasumi.yamazaki@utoledo.edu)
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This study investigates an instantiation of a 3D virtual world–based Japanese learning curriculum within the context of a Japanese as a foreign language (JFL) classroom. Through a mixed-method case study approach, participants’ natural acquisition of Japanese in a 3D virtual environment was examined. In the present study, four sources of data from 11 university-level JFL students (n=11) were collected and analyzed to evaluate the learning outcomes from a new instructional approach called computer-assisted learning of communication (CALC). Based on both interpretative and statistical analyses of data, the major finding of the present study was that the participants, when immersed in the 3D virtual world of Tokyo, acquired contextualized communicative competence. More specifically, quantitative analyses revealed statistically significant improvement in the participants’ acquisition of incidentally encountered vocabulary, in particular, kanji pronunciation and vocabulary interpretation. Qualitative analyses revealed participants’ acquisition of various communicative competencies specific to the context, including persuasive talk, awareness of audience, and collaborative communication.

Keywords

3D virtual worldsJapanese language learningdigital game-based language learningsecond language acquisition
Type
Regular papers
Information
ReCALL , Volume 30 , Special Issue 2: Interactions for language learning in and around virtual worlds , May 2018 , pp. 214 - 231
Check for updates
Copyright
Copyright © European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Canto, S., Jauregi, K. and van den Bergh, H. (2013) Integrating cross-cultural interaction through video-communication and virtual worlds in foreign language teaching programs: Is there an added value? ReCALL, 25(1): 105–121. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344012000274 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chapelle, C. (1997) CALL in the year 2000: Still in search of research paradigms? Language Learning & Technology, 1(1): 19–43. http://llt.msu.edu/vol1num1/chapelle/default.html Google Scholar
Chapelle, C. A. (2009) The relationship between second language acquisition theory and computer-assisted language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 93(Suppl. 1): 741–753. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2009.00970.x CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Coleman, D. W. (2002) On foot in Sim City: Using Sim Copter as the basis for an ESL writing assignment. Simulation & Gaming, 33(2): 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878102332010 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
deHaan, J. W. (2005) Acquisition of Japanese as a foreign language through a baseball video game. Foreign Language Annals, 38(2): 278–282. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.2005.tb02492.x CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jones, K. (1982) Simulations in language learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Levy, M. and Stockwell, G. (2006) CALL dimensions: Options and issues in computer-assisted language learning. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.Google Scholar
McGonigal, J. (2011) Reality is broken: Why games make us better and how they can change the world. New York: The Penguin Press.Google Scholar
Miller, M. and Hegelheimer, V. (2006) The SIMs meet ESL incorporating authentic computer simulation games into the language classroom. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 3(4): 311–328. https://doi.org/10.1108/17415650680000070 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peterson, M. (2010) Computerized games and simulations in computer-assisted language learning: A meta-analysis of research. Simulation & Gaming, 41(1): 72–93. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046878109355684 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peterson, M. (2011) Digital gaming and second language development: Japanese learners interactions in a MMORPG. Digital Culture & Education, 3(1): 56–73. http://www.digitalcultureandeducation.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/dce1048_peterson_2011.pdf Google Scholar
Peterson, M. (2012a) EFL learner collaborative interaction in Second Life. ReCALL, 24(1): 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344011000279 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peterson, M. (2012b) Language learner interaction in a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. In Reinders, H. (ed.), Digital games in language learning and teaching. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 70–92. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137005267_5 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peterson, M. (2012c) Learner interaction in a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG): A sociocultural discourse analysis. ReCALL, 24(3): 361–380. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344012000195 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peterson, M. (2013) Computer games and language learning. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rama, P. S., Black, R. W., van Es, E. and Warschauer, M. (2012) Affordances for second language learning in World of Warcraft . ReCALL, 24(3): 322–338. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344012000171 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ranalli, J. (2008) Learning English with The Sims: Exploiting authentic computer simulation games for L2 learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 21(5): 441–455. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588220802447859 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Reinders, H. and Wattana, S. (2012) Talk to me! Games and students’ willingness to communicate. In Reinders, H. (ed.), Digital games in language learning and teaching. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 156–188. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137005267_9 CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sadler, R. and Dooly, M. (2013) Language leaning in virtual worlds: Research and practice. In Thomas, M., Reinders, H. & Warschauer, M. (eds.), Contemporary computer-assisted language learning. New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 159–182.Google Scholar
Thomas, M., Reinders, H. & Warschauer, M. (eds.) (2013) Contemporary computer-assisted language learning. New York: Bloomsbury Academic.Google Scholar
Warschauer, M. (2004) Technological change and the future of CALL. In Fotos, S. & Brown, C. M. (eds.), New perspectives on CALL for second and foreign language classrooms. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 15–25.Google Scholar
Yamazaki, K. (2014) Toward integrative CALL: A progressive outlook on the history, trends, and issues of CALL. The Tapestry Journal, 6(1): 45–59. http://stars.library.ucf.edu/tapestry/vol6/iss1/6/ Google Scholar
Zheng, D., Young, M. F., Wagner, M. M. and Brewer, R. A. (2009) Negotiation for action: English language learning in game-based virtual worlds. The Modern Language Journal, 93(4): 489–511. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.2009.00927.x CrossRefGoogle Scholar