The Shield: By Sword and Knowledge

By Purdue University

 

Student Category

 

 

 

 

 

Skills and Ideas Taught: Teaching ELLS how to recognize, spell, and pronounce vocabulary words using immersive game-based learning.

Goal or Challenge: Using immersive game-based learning on enhancing vocabulary instruction and acquisition for English Language Learners (ELLS).

Primary Audience:  English Language Learners (ELLS) – 15 years and above.

Assessment Approach: The game focuses on three main linguistic skills; spelling, word recognition and pronunciation. The player is exposed to new vocabulary throughout different conversations and experiences and is able to hear the pronunciation and discover the meaning of each word in context. By using visual, text, and audio narrations, the player hears and sees the definition of each word following each conversation. The player is required to spell the words multiple times throughout the game in order to complete each level.

Description: The Shield is an educational action-adventure computer game that utilizes immersive media as a way of teaching vocabulary to English language learners. The game focuses on improving learners’ ability to recognize, spell, and pronounce vocabulary words in an immersive world. It provides players with contextualized learning and experiences to learn a specific vocabulary wordlist. The player experienced a series of adventures and stories. These stories develop/present noble values among players, such as helping others and fighting against injustice. The player also discovers what it looks like to be a victim of deceit and lies by the end of the game.

Game Engine: Unity 3D

Operating System:  Windows 7, Windows 8, iOS

Platform:  Personal Computer

Special Hardware:  None