Interactive Language Learning ILL Thesis Proposal March 25, 2008

Research Question How effective is an interactive multi-player computer game as an educational tool to complement an ESOL curriculum?

Is an interactive multi-player computer game as an educational tool to complement an ESOL curriculum entertaining? Is there improvement between pre-test and post-test scores?

Importance of Study Increase in numbers of non-English speakers in the United States Innovation in the pedagogical field Adaptability and expandability –Use of multiple languages –Large market for English-speaking

Supporting Literature Motivation Learning styles Standards/Objectives Anne Arundel Schools Using gaming to teach Game development process Graphics Benefits of cooperative learning Best practices in gaming Parser Target audience: middle school students Cognitive characteristics Social characteristics

Methodological Design Alpha Phase –College students –Fall 2008 –Basic test of game –Pretest and Posttest –Make changes

Beta Phase –Anne Arundel County Middle Schools –Spring 2009 –Pretest and Posttest –Integration into the classroom

Potential Problems Can we enter schools? Can we make a functional game? Technological needs?

Limitations Cultural aspects Complexity of language –Reading –Writing –Listening –Speaking Technological knowledge Design knowledge

Anne Arundel County Schools Points of Contact –Ms. Cathy Nelson –Dr. Adam Milam –Mr. Christopher Truffer Meetings with POC and Teachers Verbal support given, written agreements pending Updates

Where are we now? Game Design Pedagogy Technical

Future Directions IRB Alpha submittal by May 2008 Game completion by August 2008 Alpha testing Fall 2008 Junior Colloquium Fall 2008 IRB approval by September 2008 Changes to game made by January 2008 IRB Beta submittal by December 2008 IRB Beta approval by January 2009 Beta testing Spring 2009 Thesis Defense Spring 2010