The world of digital games has much to offer those interested in teaching and learning a second language. Harnessing the potential of such games for language learning can be rewarding yet challenging. Take, for example, the sheer number of existing games to consider, not to mention the continually growing number of tools for creating digital games targeted at specific learning objectives. Some games, however, are particularly useful for language educators and there are specific projects and activities which can be replicated and implemented by those interested in using digital games in their classroom. Much like the digital realms people often explore when gaming, work in digital games and learning is vast. Numerous resources are available for those interested in delving deeper into the topic.

Digital game principles offer a way to overcome challenges of the language classroom that are difficult, if not impossible, via other means. While many have proposed digital games for learning all dimensions of a language, they are, in fact especially suited to overcoming challenges related to complex areas such as intercultural competence, pragmatics, and learning and performance strategies. Instead of setting these elements aside for study abroad contexts and immersion programs, instructors can utilize digital games to address them in the language classroom as well.

In addition, digital game design offers a new perspective to our overall understanding of language learning and teaching.  

By: Jasmin Aliguin Baluyot | Bachelor of Secondary Education | Sitio Tabon, Del Rosario Pilar, Bataan