Abstract:
Since English language has been an official language in Nigeria and also a language used for international communication, the learning of English has become something important. Despite the importance of English language, the performance of students, whether undergraduates or graduates, in learning English has been discouraging. Research has shown that vocabulary is the most important element of any language learning including English language. Motivation is an important factor for learners to learn English Vocabulary continuously and effectively. This study adopts the use of Gamification techniques to encourage learners to continue learning English vocabularies effectively.
This study proposed a gamified English vocabulary learning system that motivates English learners to continue learning and thus improve their English reading, speaking and writing ability. The system adopted the difficulty level curve model to adjust the difficulty level of the gamified application and also to move the learners from one game level to another. The gamification functions were designed referring to the digital game-based learning framework. The vocabularies that were used as learning material was gotten from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) repository and were categorized into ten (10) game levels game levels based on the various vocabulary levels used by GRE. The system was developed a web-based application using HTML, CSS, Javascript and PHP, and was subsequently converted to a mobile application using a Hybrid system for mobile application development.
Furthermore, the system was tested and evaluated to ascertain it performed as designed. The evaluation was carried out through an online survey that was attached to the application and was completed by 71 participants with different English vocabulary level ability. Experimental results revealed that the proposed system can significantly enhance learners English vocabulary abilities and promotes learning interests. More significantly, the proposed system facilitates a seamless ubiquitous learning environment by mobile devices for English learning without constraints of time or place.
