Subjective experiences and perceptions of learning a second language through digital games: A case study of Chinese college students

Recent years have seen a rapid proliferation of game-based learning applied in language classes. Second language teaching and learning are being inspired by the increasingly mature game-based learning technology. Currently, educational games are regarded as a new technology with great potential. The game-based promotion of oral English has also become one of the research hotspots. This research carried out an empirical study on the subjective experiences and perceptions of using game-based second language learning to cultivate the oral English of Chinese college students. By using Unity 3D technology, “Digital Game-Virtual College” game software was developed for Chinese teenagers as the experimental carrier. Sixty-six freshmen majoring in review engineering at a university located in a first-tier city in southern China were invited as participants. Based on the courses “College English-Reading and Writing” and “College English-Listening, Viewing and Speaking,” this research explored the game-based teaching of “Words Arena Contest” and “Words Talents,” respectively. The analysis of the attitude and achievement data not only indicated the advantages and disadvantages of game-based learning, but also suggested the significant points in game-based learning software design. The results of tests and survey provide insight into the evaluation and reflection of the subjective experiences and perceptions of using digital game-based language learning. The results of this research can not only provide guidance for exploring the psychological contributors and barriers to game-based second language learning, but can also shed some light on and provide a reference for the design of game-based second language learning software.