Learning a Second Language by Playing a Game

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-2 - Emerging Technology Environments for Learning

Abstract

In a media comparison study, college students learned Italian by playing the online language learning game, Duolingo at home for seven sessions, or learned the same material through watching an online slideshow for seven sessions. Although the groups did not differ significantly on achievement posttests, the Duolingo group rated their learning experience as significantly more enjoyable (d = 0.77), more appealing (d = 1.17), and less difficult (d = 0.51), and was significantly more willing to continue with similar learning experiences (d = 1.39). Overall, these results point to the motivational and affective benefits of Duolingo as a promising alternative for people who want to learn a second language but do not have access to traditional teaching methods.

Authors

• Richard E. Mayer, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Kelsey James, University of California - Santa Cruz