The influence of video games on the acquisition of the english language in an EFL classroom

Abstract

The use of video games as a tool to teach English is a subject that has been studied in the last decade due to the interest in improving the acquisition of this language. It has been observed that most studies focus on methods that can be used in a classroom to acquire vocabulary; such as the use of social networks or music; however, little attention has been paid to the use of video games as a useful tool for learning English vocabulary. The objectives of this research synthesis are to analyze the effects of video games on the acquisition of vocabulary in English and the perceptions of teachers and students about its use in an English as a foreign language classroom. The results indicate that motivation and age are more influential in vocabulary acquisition. Positive and negative views were found from both teachers and students. These perceptions can be considered to improve teaching and learning strategies through this tool in the classroom