Abstract

Digital Game-based Language Learning (DGBLL) is a field that promotes language learning by combining game entertainment and mechanics inducive to learning. Researchers have proposed evidence of various language-learning benefits, yet downsides persist, such as negative stigmas, fewer female participants, and potential adverse learning consequences from splitting one’ s attention between interactivity and language learning. Recently, watching gameplay popularity has seen exponential growth, yet the potential for language-learning applications has not been considered. Soliciting stakeholders’ experience, attitudes, and perceived effectiveness is a critical determiner of user adoption for new technologies, predicting implementation success. This study first addresses the merit of watching gameplay as a pedagogical method through an overview of the available literature, concentrating on areas of insufficiency and opportunity. It then investigates students’ experience and perceptions to consider feasibility from a practical standpoint through a survey of 139 university students in Japan. The main findings include a higher proportion of watchers than players, including a higher percentage of females; positive responses regarding ease of use, learning opportunities, and preference, especially for learners who play or watch games. But learners also expressed a need for scaffolding support while voicing limitations in the perceived quality and practicality of the learned language.

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