The video game industry isn’t slowing down. It’s only finding new ways and platforms from which to engage users. Even the youngest elementary students now often have experience with some kinds of video games! Nonetheless, the vocabulary used to talk about video games can seem foreign and extensive. Readers are introduced to the essential terms gamers use in this helpful book. Definitions are written at-level for young readers and word games throughout the book aid in comprehension and memory.

A comprehensive and accessible overview for language educators, researchers, and students, this book examines the relationship between technological innovation and development in the field of computer-assisted language learning, exploring relevant theories and providing practical evidence about the use of computer games in language learning.

This innovative text examines videogames and gaming from the point of view of discourse analysis. In particular, it studies two major aspects of videogame-related communication: the ways in which videogames and their makers convey meanings to their audiences, and the ways in which gamers, industry professionals, journalists and other stakeholders talk about games. In doing so, the book offers systematic analyses of games as artefacts and activities, and the discourses surrounding them. Focal areas explored in this book include: - Aspects of videogame textuality and how games relate to other texts - the formation of lexical terms and use of metaphor in the language of gaming - Gamer slang and 'buddylects' - The construction of game worlds and their rules, of gamer identities and communities - Dominant discourse patterns among gamers and how they relate to the nature of gaming - The multimodal language of games and gaming - The ways in which ideologies of race, gender, media effects and language are constructed Informed by the very latest scholarship and illustrated with topical examples throughout, The Language of Gaming is ideal for students of applied linguistics, videogame studies and media studies who are seeking a wide-ranging introduction to the field.

Cognitive Development in a Digital Age James Paul Gee begins his classic book with "I want to talk about video games–yes, even violent video games–and say some positive things about them." With this simple but explosive statement, one of America's most well-respected educators looks seriously at the good that can come from playing video games. This revised edition expands beyond mere gaming, introducing readers to fresh perspectives based on games like World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2. It delves deeper into cognitive development, discussing how video games can shape our understanding of the world. An undisputed must-read for those interested in the intersection of education, technology, and pop culture, What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy challenges traditional norms, examines the educational potential of video games, and opens up a discussion on the far-reaching impacts of this ubiquitous aspect of modern life.

The chapters in this book argue that good games teach through well-designed problem-solving experiences. In the end, the book offers a model of collaborative, interactive, and embodied learning centered on problem solving, a model that can be enhanced by games, but which can be accomplished in many different ways with or without games.

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In a diverse society, the ability to cross communication barriers is critical to the success of any individual personally, professionally, and academically. With the constant acceleration of course programs and technology, educators are continually being challenged to develop and implement creative methods for engaging English-speaking and non-English-speaking learners. Computer-Assisted Language Learning: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications is a vital reference source that examines the relationship between language education and technology and the potential for curriculum enhancements through the use of mobile technologies, flipped instruction, and language-learning software. This multi-volume book is geared toward educators, researchers, academics, linguists, and upper-level students seeking relevant research on the improvement of language education through the use of technology.

Bridging Literacies with Videogames provides an international perspective of literacy practices, gaming culture, and traditional schooling. Featuring studies from Australia, Colombia, South Korea, Canada, and the United States, this edited volume addresses learning in primary, secondary, and tertiary environments with topics related to: • re-creating worlds and texts • massive multiplayer second language learning • videogames and classroom learning These diverse topics will provide scholars, teachers, and curriculum developers with empirical support for bringing videogames into classroom spaces to foster meaning making. Bridging Literacies with Videogames is an essential text for undergraduates, graduates, and faculty interested in contemporizing learning with the medium of the videogame.

Due to the rapid development of gaming technologies in recent years, there has been a surge of interest in the role that digital games can play in foreign and second language learning. Bringing together innovative research from an international team of contributors, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the use of digital games in computer-assisted language learning (CALL). The book firstly lays the theoretical foundations and outlines various rationales for using digital games, incorporating contemporary theories of second language acquisition. It also explores the development and impact of digital games designed specifically for language learning, giving due consideration to design principles, pedagogical requirements and student health. Chapters then draw on case studies from Europe and Japan to analyse in-game interaction, attitudes and participation in both institutional and out-of-classroom settings. Seamlessly combining theory with practical application, this book outlines recent developments in the field and the direction of future research, and is a valuable resource for instructors, researchers and practitioners who are designing games or looking to use them in their classrooms.

Play to Learn: How to Use Video Games to Learn a New Language is a comprehensive examination of how the integration of video games into language learning can greatly increase long-term new language acquisition. It explores the benefits, applications, and concerns surrounding video games and their place in our modern classrooms. In addition, Play to Learn cites research on how students can learn a new language when an educator is present or absent, supplemented with personal stories and real gameplay examples. In this book, you'll learn about Language learning theories plus personal gameplay goals and experiences Research on language learning using video games in both individual and classroom settings Detailed and verified steps to guide you to learn a new language using video games as a tool Used as a resource and guidebook, Play to Learn will guide you step-by-step on how to set language learning goals, select proper games, and offers a timeline and assessment scale to measure your progress. Through expert opinions and an investigation of how video games can positively influence traditional classroom learning, this book helps diminish much of the negativity surrounding the use of video games to learn in our modern world.