Language learning apps or games: an investigation utilizing the RETAIN model

Jogos ou apps para aprendizagem de línguas: uma investigação utilizando o modelo RETAIN

Combining games with mobile devices can promote learning opportunities at the learners' fingertips and enable ubiquitous learning experiences. As teachers increasingly assign games to reinforce language learning, it becomes essential to evaluate how effective these applications are in helping students learn the content or develop the skills that the games are reinforcing. This article examines two English language learning apps under the RETAIN model (GUNTER; KENNY; VICK, 2008). The findings indicate that although these apps offer some language learning opportunities, they do not present scenario-based quality or gameplay, among other elements, if they are to be considered games.

Keywords:
Educational Mobile Games; English Language Learning Applications; Evaluation of Educational Games; RETAIN Model.