Massively multiplayer online games and language learning and teaching

The integration of play into educational frameworks has long intrigued educators, especially in language learning. One contemporary approach gaining traction is the use of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs). This entry discusses the potential of MMOGs as educational tools for language learning and teaching. It begins with an overview of digital games and their growing popularity, then reviews the specific attributes of MMOGs that make them promising media for language education. The entry also highlights practical applications of MMOGs in educational settings, demonstrating how their affordances can be leveraged to foster student engagement and improve language learning outcomes. Additionally, it addresses potential challenges that educators may encounter when integrating MMOGs into their curriculum and provides recommendations for effectively navigating these challenges. By examining the affordances and limitations of MMOGs, this entry aims to offer some insights into their role in modern language education and suggest best practices for their implementation.