A Comparative Review of Mobile and Non-Mobile Games for Language Learning

Fan Su, Di Zou, Haoran Xie, Fu Lee Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Recent studies have increasingly investigated the effectiveness of both mobile and non-mobile digital game-based language learning. To gain an in-depth understanding of the differences in the effectiveness of mobile and non-mobile games, we compared studies from January 2000 to August 2020 investigating mobile game-based language learning (MGBLL) and non-mobile game-based language learning (NMGBLL). Sixty-four articles were analyzed from four aspects: game types, game elements, target languages, and learning outcomes. The results showed that (a) gamification, simulation games, and immersive games were applied most; (b) all games possessed the game elements of goals or rules; (c) the most investigated target languages were English and Chinese; and (d) the most discussed learning outcomes were language acquisition and psychological/affective state. The similarities and differences between MGBLL and NMGBLL were also identified. The current review provides an overview and in-depth analysis of mobile and non-mobile games for language learning, guiding practitioners to select appropriate digital games to cater to specific language teaching goals. Future directions of research are also discussed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSAGE Open
Volume11
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2021

Keywords

  • digital games
  • language learning
  • mobile games
  • non-mobile games

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