Game Evaluation - The Adjectival Adventure
1. What does the game attempt to “teach”? Are there different levels of difficulty for different proficiency levels?
As the name suggests, the game Adjectival Adventure attempts to teach learners about adjectives. There are no different levels of difficulty but it seems to me that this game suits beginner level learners only. The difficulty of the subject matter increases gradually and it also provides learners with examples which makes the subject matter easier to be understood.
2. What is the game’s best feature, aspect etc?
It checks on learners' understanding. This game does not proceed with new information when learners have not understood what is being explained. It allows learners to go back and read again. Apart from that, it also explains the objectives at the beginning of the lesson. By explaining the objectives first, it gives learners insights of what they are going to learn and that will make them be more ready for the lesson.
3. What is the game’s weakest feature or drawbacks?
The first thing that I notice is, the game has flaws in terms of the language. There are some missing words and misspelling that might impede students' understanding. One of the feature, that upset me a bit is the game cannot start where I stopped in the game. The 'continue' button just does not work for me. It is a bit tiring when I have to start all over again once I closed the game. Regardless of the flaws, this game is good to go.
4. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the game?
I believe that this game is based on behaviorism theory. The subject matter is broken into chunks, what is adjective and how to use it, and the comparative and superlative form. Though there is no serious drilling, it checks on students understanding before moving on to the next lesson. During the the mission of helping the people in town, the feedback learners get when answering is tantamount to reinforcement. Learners get praises when answering the questions correctly and some hints when they choose the wrong answer. Both are positive reinforcement when they give encouragement for learners to answer more.
5. An important criterion for evaluating a CALL program, task or an educational game is potential for language learning (i.e. will student learn something?) Does the game fulfill this criterion? If yes, how so? If no, why?
Yes, this game has the potential for language learning. Obviously, this game stated its objectives and throughout the game, learners can measure their level of understanding of adjectives. Learners can learn about what is adjective and how it is used. It is not only that learners are able to learn about it, but they can also practice what they have learned.
6. If you were to suggest that one change be made to the game, what would it be?
I would like to improve on the technical part only. I would prefer to have the setting available to be reached at anytime because at times I would like to volume up/down the sound. I would also add some hints or instruction to make sure learners do not waste time wander around just like what I did.
7. Would you recommend this game to learners and teachers alike?
Yes? Provide reason(s), No? Provide (reason)
Yes I would. With some improvement, this game can be a very great tool for learners to learn language in a fun way. Learners can learn language in a less stressful way and as an adult, I am surprised that I feel excited playing this game. Besides learning about the subject matter, learners can also learn the sentence structure indirectly.
As the name suggests, the game Adjectival Adventure attempts to teach learners about adjectives. There are no different levels of difficulty but it seems to me that this game suits beginner level learners only. The difficulty of the subject matter increases gradually and it also provides learners with examples which makes the subject matter easier to be understood.
2. What is the game’s best feature, aspect etc?
It checks on learners' understanding. This game does not proceed with new information when learners have not understood what is being explained. It allows learners to go back and read again. Apart from that, it also explains the objectives at the beginning of the lesson. By explaining the objectives first, it gives learners insights of what they are going to learn and that will make them be more ready for the lesson.
3. What is the game’s weakest feature or drawbacks?
The first thing that I notice is, the game has flaws in terms of the language. There are some missing words and misspelling that might impede students' understanding. One of the feature, that upset me a bit is the game cannot start where I stopped in the game. The 'continue' button just does not work for me. It is a bit tiring when I have to start all over again once I closed the game. Regardless of the flaws, this game is good to go.
4. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the game?
I believe that this game is based on behaviorism theory. The subject matter is broken into chunks, what is adjective and how to use it, and the comparative and superlative form. Though there is no serious drilling, it checks on students understanding before moving on to the next lesson. During the the mission of helping the people in town, the feedback learners get when answering is tantamount to reinforcement. Learners get praises when answering the questions correctly and some hints when they choose the wrong answer. Both are positive reinforcement when they give encouragement for learners to answer more.
5. An important criterion for evaluating a CALL program, task or an educational game is potential for language learning (i.e. will student learn something?) Does the game fulfill this criterion? If yes, how so? If no, why?
Yes, this game has the potential for language learning. Obviously, this game stated its objectives and throughout the game, learners can measure their level of understanding of adjectives. Learners can learn about what is adjective and how it is used. It is not only that learners are able to learn about it, but they can also practice what they have learned.
6. If you were to suggest that one change be made to the game, what would it be?
I would like to improve on the technical part only. I would prefer to have the setting available to be reached at anytime because at times I would like to volume up/down the sound. I would also add some hints or instruction to make sure learners do not waste time wander around just like what I did.
7. Would you recommend this game to learners and teachers alike?
Yes? Provide reason(s), No? Provide (reason)
Yes I would. With some improvement, this game can be a very great tool for learners to learn language in a fun way. Learners can learn language in a less stressful way and as an adult, I am surprised that I feel excited playing this game. Besides learning about the subject matter, learners can also learn the sentence structure indirectly.
Ok 14/20
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