Abstract:

A wealth of research reported that educational computer games have recently drawn the attention of educators and researchers as they provide effective learning environment in which to motivate students, thanks to their attractive features and entertaining aspect. The game is a well-known concept, which refers the individual to experience simulated real life situations competitively. Educational game is defined as a type of software that permits the students to learn course topics or to develop problem-solving abilities by using game format. In other words, games may be effective tools for promoting learning and facilitating to comprehend complex subject matter. It is widely believed that integration of educational computer games into modern educational system would help to resolve current learning difficulties. A plethora of educational computer games have been developed to help students become engaged in the language teaching. Educational computer games have been introduced to language learners and EFL teachers as an innovative strategy for improving the quality of language instruction. In that sense, this review study aims to explore the impact of use of educational games to language learning and teaching process from different aspects. Afterwards, necessary factors for the employment and implementing of educational games into flow of regular language course are presented. The characteristics and examples of well-designed computer games are defined. In addition, the roles of both teachers are mentioned. Lastly certain major suggestions will be made to raise the use of educational computer games in EFL classroom settings.

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