Notes Towards a Framework for Designing Mobile Games for Children in the Developing World to Learn English as a Second Language in Out-of-School Settings
Matthew Kam · 2006
For a number of underdeveloped regions, English as a Second Language (ESL) is a critical enabler for improving access to education, knowledge, economic opportunities, social status and computer literacy. Existing educational institutions such as schools, however, have not always effectively addressed this demand for ESL. Based on three field studies among children from the urban slums and rural areas in India, we argue that mobile games on cellphones have the potential to make ESL learning resources more accessible to children in out-of-school settings. We first frame our problem of ESL learning in terms of Gee’s distinction between primary and secondary discourses. We next review the literature, including Krashen’s highly influential theory of second language acquisition, Bruner’s work on how play is a mechanism whereby children are socialized into the language and culture of their society, and Malone’s heuristics on what make electronic games enjoyable. We then show how these theories can inform the design of an example game that target the train traveler secondary discourse.