Acevedo-Muñiz, Ismanuel

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    Application of massive multiplayer online role-playing games as a language learning resource through experiential learning in educational contexts
    (2020-12-11) Acevedo-Muñiz, Ismanuel; Leonard, Mary; College of Arts and Sciences - Art; Rivera, Rosita L.; Ferrer-López, José R.; Department of English; Zapata-Medina, Rocío
    This case study aims to investigates how integrating lesson plans involving massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) into the English classroom can help Puerto Rican second language learners (SLLs) of English to develop their language acquisition and critical thinking skills. The hypothesis of this case study focused on demonstrating how experiential learning through MMORPGs can engage SLLs, and result in better language learning outcomes for Puerto Rican students from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. To prove said notion, a pre & post research survey, a pre & post research interview, and a “5-week unit of lesson plan” were designed and implemented in the spring semester of 2019-20. By comparing art mediums such as: paintings, poetry and film; the 5-week unit lesson plan(s) explored how the gameplay’s visual style, rules and plot of the MMORPG “Tree of Savior”, would influence second language learners of English in their target language acquisition. That being through, holistic exposition to MMORPG gameplay, forum style & Google meets discussions, comparative art assignments & readings, and online information resources from an educational lens. Furthermore, the perceptions of the student volunteers about their experiences with gaming, and the different assignments provided were gathered via interviews, and student writing. Statistics were also compiled about the level of student participation and the number of assignments completed, and the quality of the work done by said students were evaluated. Based on the results and the voluntary nature of the research data, the case study draws conclusions about the ways focused lesson planning involving MMORPGs, can benefit students second language practice and target language re-enforcement. Thus, while the research was unable to prove its hypothesis, it was able provided valuable data on the areas where more research is needed to understand how to best integrate online gaming into an English language learning classroom.