Bent Meyer from the University of Aalborg in Copenhagen specializes in game-based learning. In 2013 Meyer published a research about learning games as a part of language education. Even though they are often compared to entertainment games, learning games have a very special role in the market today.
English language is a mandatory skill in today's global world. The earlier you learn English the better. Even Meyer agrees that learning games and English language learning fit well together. There are a lot of free language learning games on the market today. A lot of these free games offer a fun way to extend your English vocabulary but they are usually not based on a well planned curriculum. Long-term learning solutions are still searching for their place on the market.
A learning game is not good just because it is a learning game. The results of Meyer's research show that only high-quality learning games end up in kindergartens and schools. A high-quality learning game is well planned and serves its customers. Learning games must ensure results. If the learning game is for learning English, then children must learn English in a versatile and educational way. Digital solutions make it possible for the child to dive into different worlds, which increases the motivation and interest in learning. With Moomin Language School, children are given the possibility to learn English in different environments. Speaking and pronunciation can be practiced in the language studio while children learn to use their English skills during playful lessons. Different environments support different areas of the language. It has been said that early foreign language learning leads to school success and even success in the workplace later in life.
The Importance of Educational Design
Meyer points out that even if early foreign language learning with learning games is useful, there are a lot of other things as well that are important. Meyer stresses the importance of educational design, content design and creation, and positive feedback in learning games. Learning games enable the active reception of positive feedback. Especially when it comes to children in kindergartens, it is important to give positive feedback so that their self-esteem and motivation stays high.
Educational design is a very important part of a learning game and the content must be well planned. Moomin Language School has invested in the planning of both the content and the educational design, so that children's overall development will be wholesome. Meyer underlines the importance of teacher training in terms of the digital language learning solution about to be adopted. Through training, teachers will get personal guidance regarding the service, current information about early language learning, and an easy and motivating start to using the service. Afterwards teachers will be able to utilize the service in the best possible way to the benefit of the children.
Moomin Language School is a digital language learning solution for kindergartens and schools. Our solution combines individual learning and social learning. The Moomin Language School learning service is versatile and highly professional thanks to the early childhood education experts and language learning experts who have been developing the solution, and continue to develop it. Research supports our idea that digital language learning solutions are a highly beneficial tool for teaching.
Meyer, B. (2013). "Game-Based Language Learning for Pre-School Children: A Design Perspective" The Electronic Journal of e-Learning Volume 11 Issue 1
