English language learners’ perceptions and experiences of an English mobile urban game

Abstract

This study aims to explore English language learners’ (ELLs) perceptions and experiences of a mobile urban game. How ELLs perceive its value for English learning and exploit the affordances of the mobile game are emphasized. Through the data analysis of 15 ELLs’ recorded gaming processes, written reflections, and interviews, this study reported that these ELLs perceive the mobile urban game to be useful in creating meaningful and authentic English language learning opportunities. In addition, they exploit multiple mobile applications (e.g., search engines, online chatting tools, online dictionaries, google maps, built-in cameras) and interact with social members in their surroundings (e.g., peers, the instructor, vendors, foreign visitors) for the game quests. Future research can examine larger study population’s experiences of similar mobile urban games and explore how social members can facilitate ELLs’ language learning processes in the game.