Laying the Foundations for Video-Game Based Language Instruction for the Teaching of EFL

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Published: Apr 21, 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.19183/how.22.1.136
Keywords:
English (foreign language), foreign language learning, information and communication technologies, second language instruction, video-game based language instruction

Main Article Content

Héctor Alejandro Galvis
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and E-Distribution, Bogotá

Abstract

This paper introduces video-game based language instruction as a teaching approach catering to the different socio-economic and learning needs of English as a Foreign Language students. First, this paper reviews statistical data revealing the low participation of Colombian students in English as a second language programs abroad (U.S. context especially). This paper also provides solid reasons why the use of video games in education and foreign language education is justified. Additionally, this paper reviews second language acquisition theoretical foundations that provide the rationale for adapting video-game based language instruction in light of important second language acquisition constructs such as culture and identity, among others. Finally, this document provides options for further research to construct and test the efficacy of video-game based language instruction while simultaneously leaving it open for collaborative contributions.

Article Details

How to Cite
Galvis, H. A. (2015). Laying the Foundations for Video-Game Based Language Instruction for the Teaching of EFL. HOW, 22(1), 107–122. https://doi.org/10.19183/how.22.1.136
Issue
Vol. 22 No. 1: (April/September 2015)
Section
Reflections and Revision of Themes

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Author Biography

Héctor Alejandro Galvis, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and E-Distribution, Bogotá

Héctor Alejandro Galvis is a lecturer and an independent researcher. His main research interests are related to the inclusion of technology in the language classroom, video games and language education. He is currently working at E-distribution where he designs EFL and teacher education courses for SENA (Colombia). Likewise, he teachers EFL courses at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia).
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