From Arcade to Classroom: Transforming Classic Games for Language Education
Sat, March 21 10:00am-2:00pm
Grand Valley State University
Educational games can greatly boost student motivation, especially in complex subjects (Plass, 2023). In this workshop, we share our approach to designing over a hundred HTML-based language-learning games using AI tools like ChatGPT and Firefly. Inspired by classic games such as Pac-Man, Q*bert, and Mario, we developed language-centered versions that reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge. Each game includes audio and interactive features, with vocabulary tailored to specific lessons, ensuring alignment with course goals.
Our design follows Annetta’s (2010) “I’s” framework—Identity, Immersion, Interactivity, Increasing Complexity, Informed Teaching, and Instructional principles. We also adopted Phillips and Popović’s (2012) learning sciences recommendations, prioritizing continuous in-game assessment and adaptability for diverse learning contexts, such as classroom use and parent-child learning.
This process involves detailed design, iteration, and strategic AI prompting to create effective games. In this workshop, we will guide participants through designing their own language-learning games, illustrating how AI can be a powerful tool for creating custom, curriculum-aligned resources. Attendees will gain strategies for game-based learning tailored to their students' needs, fostering sustainable engagement that extends beyond the classroom.
The Michigan World Language Association (MIWLA) is an organization for all elementary, secondary, college, and university teachers, supervisors, students, and friends of world languages. MIWLA endorses and seeks to achieve the following goals:
Promote and strengthen world language study at all levels.
Promote public awareness of the importance and value of world language study.
Assist in providing professional development for teachers of world languages at all levels.