Spring Talk: L2 learning and research in the digital wilds

Memorial Union at ASU,Tempe AZ 85281

15 April, 2022

Description

The Spring Talk brings you the most up-to-date research in the field of CALL study. In this talk, Daniel and Tülay discuss second language (L2) learning and research in the digital wilds, an area within Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) that continues to grow in popularity. Generally, the digital wilds refer to “informal language learning that takes place in digital spaces, communities, and networks that are independent of formal instructional contexts” (Sauro & Zourou, 2017, p. 2). Daniel and Tülay will discuss their recent research within the digital wilds and focus specifically on digital game-based language learning (DGBLL). They will first give an overview of the research on DGBLL and then focus on one aspect of DGBLL research that received limited attention in the literature. To accomplish the first goal, they will discuss their recently published meta-analysis in which they aggregated the effectiveness of digital games on L2 learning. On the basis of the findings from the meta-analysis, they will highlight the gaps that still need attention in digital game-based language learning (DGBLL) and offer exciting directions for future research. To accomplish the second goal, they will illustrate how different game mechanics have different linguistic profiles. To illustrate, they will discuss a recent study that explored the various linguistic environments of digital games using corpus linguistics tools and methods. This underexplored area can help inform the development of educational technology and its application to the L2 classroom. They will conclude the presentation by echoing Reinhardt’s (2021) call for a design-informed approach to DGBLL research that matches targeted game mechanics to affordances for L2 learning, an area that can allow for more precise generalizations to be made about the specific aspects of games that are conducive for L2 teaching and learning contexts. Daniel Dixon is a Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Linguistics at Northern Arizona University and will complete the program in May 2022. Much of his research can be characterized as contributing to computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and more specifically, L2 learning through digital games. He draws on this research to inform his development of educational technology and digital tools for applied linguistics teaching and research. Tülay Dixon is a Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Linguistics at Northern Arizona University. She has nine years of experience teaching academic writing, TESL, linguistics, and ESL at the graduate and undergraduate level. Her research is inspired by her teaching and learning experiences and falls into three categories: (a) corpus-based analyses of academic discourse, (b) the use of technology in second language education, and (c) research methodology education.