Serious Games for Language Learning: How Much Game, How Much AI?

Modern computer games show potential not just for engaging and entertaining users, but also in promoting learning. Game designers employ a range of techniques to promote long-term user engagement and motivation. These techniques are increasingly being employed in so-called serious games, games that have nonentertainment purposes such as education or training. Although such games share the goal of AIED of promoting deep learner engagement with subject matter, the techniques employed are very different. Can AIED technologies complement and enhance serious game design techniques, or does good serious game design render AIED techniques superfluous? This paper explores these questions in the context of the Tactical Language Training System (TLTS), a program that supports rapid acquisition of foreign language and cultural skills. The TLTS combines game design principles and game development tools with learner modelling, pedagogical agents, and pedagogical dramas. Learners carry out missions ...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: AIED
• Authors: W. Lewis Johnson, Hannes Högni Vilhjálmsson, Stacy Marsella
• Keywords: AIED 2005, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, Game Design Techniques, Non-player Characters