1. What does the game attempt to “teach”? Are there different levels of difficulty for different proficiency levels?
The game attempted to teach grammar, specifically adjective. The game starts off by providing the player with background knowledge on adjective. The background knowledge was delivered through a backstory of the player in a class with computer characters learning about adjective in a class. Later, the player was set on a mission to help the town's people from a "curse" that disable them from using adjectives in their daily conversation. There was no different level of difficulty for different proficiency levels found in this game. But, I do believe that this game is most suitable to be played by beginner level language learner as it is quite easy and very interesting as it provides the learner with a fun learning environment.
2. What is the game’s best feature, aspect etc?
I like how the game is simple and easy to play even for a non-expert gamer like me. Therefore, even if the students are not very good at playing games, they would be able to easily understand how the game works. Moreover, the game provides a clear instruction on what is needed to be done when in regards to fidning thee correct adjectives. The explanation in the backstory is really easy to understand and example provided were very helpful.
3. What is the game’s weakest feature or drawbacks?
The drawbacks of the game would be that I did not know how the father looks like, so at first, I had difficulties in finding the father to give him the pancake and I am not really sure of his whereabouts. So, I think it would be helpful if there was a map as to locate where the dad is as to at least not make me stray too far off from where I should go and maybe not to waste to much time in looking for him. Moreover, after sending the pancake to dad, there was no clear instruction as to where I should go after that. This is because if the game is to be played in the English class, it would waste some time as each subject period has its limit. Besides that, I found that when I helped Jon to find his adjective, NICE weather while him standing by the entrance of the park, he did not move from that spot anymore, thus blocking me from exiting the park. I have to start the game again and next time, talking to Jon while he is further from the park's entrance. Furthermore, I believe there were some spelling errors and errors in punctuations. For example, some dialogues did not include the commas (HEY wake up!) and full stops (Let us go Lola) in their sentences while some do (Hello, child). As an example for the spelling error, Hino said her dad "BOUGH me" instead of "BOUGHT me".
4. Can you pinpoint some theories of language learning and/or teaching underlying the game?
The first theory of language learning and teaching that I found underlying in the game is, Communicative Language Teaching, where the computer is used as a tutor as it provides player with option on which answer to choose and control over the movement of their avatar, then using computer as a stimulus to stimulate thinking and computer as a tool to be used to understand and learn language which in this game they are able to learn the grammar on adjective. It also includes the Instructional Strategies theory where students are given instruction on what they need to do, to move the character and send pancakes to the father, help the town's people get the correct adjective, and help mom to get some eggs. The game also provides independent practice as only one player is available for the game. It also encourages self-monitor and self-correct as the player have to choose their own answer and if fail, they need to try again to get the correct answer in order to proceed with the game.
5. An important criterion for evaluating a CALL program, task or an educational game is potential for language learning (i.e. will student learn something?) Does the game fulfill this criterion? If yes, how so? If no, why?
In my opinion, the game has fulfilled the criterion of having a potential for language learning as the game clearly caters on the grammar topic on adjective. The game's backstory also highlighted on the topic, adjective. The information in the backstory was delivered clearly as it was done like in a real teaching and learning lesson. The teacher first touches on the previous lesson's topic then connects it with present topic of the day. Furthermore, the whole game mission revolves around lifting the curse that prevents the town's people from using adjective. The player is responsible to help lift the curse by helping the town's people with the correct adjective that they needed, which only can be done with player full understanding of the topic adjective.
6. If you were to suggest that one change be made to the game, what would it be?
I would suggest adding on reward and punishment system in this game. For example, for every correct answer, the player will get points or star to be collected. Some answers may come with an extra reward, like a special gift, for example, when helping the girl to find the adjective for most beautiful seashell, they will get point rewards and a special seashell gift as special item collected and the uncle can give them a fresh fish to bring home to mother. For punishment of getting the wrong answer, the player points will be deducted or/and need to do an extra mission to be given a chance to answer it correctly again. This suggestion is in line with the behaviorism theory which promotes reward and punishment in education.
7. Would you recommend this game to learners and teachers alike?
Yes? Provide reason(s), No? Provide (reason)
Yes, I would recommend this game to learners and teachers alike as I believe that this game provides a fun teaching and learning experience. Moreover, it is in line with the 21st century education as it incorporates technology in their learning. Furthermore, it also in line with Communicative CALL where the computer is used as a stimulus to stimulate thinking and computer as a tool to be used to understand and learn language which in this game they are able to learn the grammar on adjective.
