Language learning apps or games: an investigation utilizing the RETAIN model

Abstract: Combining games with mobile devices can promote learning opportunities at the learners' fingertips and enable ubiquitous learning experiences. As teachers increasingly assign games to reinforce language learning, it becomes essential to evaluate how effective these applications are in helping students learn the content or develop the skills that the games are reinforcing. This article examines two English language learning apps under the RETAIN model (GUNTER; KENNY; VICK, 2008). The findings indicate that although these apps offer some language learning opportunities, they do not present scenario-based quality or gameplay, among other elements, if they are to be considered games.

摘要：将游戏与移动设备相结合，可为学习者提供触手可及的学习契机，打造泛在学习体验。随着教师愈发频繁地布置游戏类任务以强化语言学习，评估此类应用在帮助学生掌握游戏所侧重的学习内容、培养对应技能方面的有效性，已成为至关重要的工作。本文基于RETAIN模型（RETAIN），对两款英语学习应用展开了研究分析。研究结果表明，尽管此类应用提供了一定的语言学习契机，但倘若将其视作真正的游戏，它们则缺失情境化设计质量与游戏玩法等核心要素。