“You’re Not Studying, You’re Just…”
MIT’s Ravi Purushotma published a piece entitled “You’re Not Studying, You’re Just…” in a 2005 issue of Language Learning and Technology. It focuses on five “You’re Just _______ing” misconceptions about using technology that educators may want to reconsider:
- Playing That Sims Game of Yours
- Browsing the Web
- In Typing Class
- Listening to Music
- Walking to Class
- Doing What You Enjoy
“You’re Just Playing That Sims Game of Yours” occupies most of Purushotma’s analysis. He makes a convincing case that (video)gaming offers instructors a chance to capitalize on students’ affinities for undertaking language learning while having fun at the same time. This is particularly relevant for The Sims—“a game designed to simulate normal everyday life. Players control the daily routines of a virtual family, guiding them through tasks such as managing personal hygiene, cooking food, finding jobs, entertaining guests, and so forth” (Purushotma, p. 81)—because of its reliance on potential “entry-level” (my words) L2 vocabulary words. It’s a crash course in everyday language. For educators that wish to reach an increasingly attention-strapped society, they would be wise to consider this alternative form of learning.
This is sometimes called “Edutainment,” and I think that’s an appropriate description. To experience a knock-your-socks-off self-billed Edutainment, check out Bob Dylan’s Theme Time Radio Hour sets. Built around a chosen theme such as “Birds,” “Blood,” or “Traveling the World,” he mixes history, pop culture, miscellaneous factoids, and music into a cohesive tapestry fit for the rock’n’roll gods. Here’s a snippit.
Fun! I love old time radio! You have made me reconsider my skepticism regarding Edutainment.
ReplyDeleteBut tell me, would you want to play a game like the Sims? I don't think I'd be interested in using it except as a (possibly fun) language practice activity. It makes me wonder about real game players. Are the serious game players the ones who will enjoy playing their games in the L2, or will it just piss them off?
Hi Zack,
ReplyDeleteI think the goal of this article is to show how people are learning even when they don't realize it. If teachers can tap into these informal learning opportunities, maybe students will be more interested in spending time learning beyond class time. :)