Following my prior post Serious Games To Build Competency In Ethical Thinking and coming
soon from the Learning Games Network (LGN) is
Xenos, where you play Serious Games with friends and become the hero of
your own English language-learning adventure.
Xenos is an online Serious Game where players participate in activities that
support sustainable English language learning.
The expansive learning space immerses players
in new contexts across a variety of colorful and engaging zones populated by
other English Language Learners, Coaches, Mentors and Teachers.
Players will learn to listen, read, speak and
write in English, while playing games.
Jumping Into A World Of Language
Players will meet the citizens and fellow
visitors of Xenos on the pier, in the marketplace, in town squares, at
the university -- everywhere!
Introduce yourself to other players at the port
Bargain at the market until the price is right
Choose Your Own Learning Path - A Self-Directed
Alternative To Traditional Coursework
Xenos' robust and
standards-aligned learning system supports players across multiple levels, from
beginners to intermediate and advanced English language learners.
Games and activities are mapped to task-based
and explicit language learning frameworks created by instructional designers,
offering an open-ended yet leveled learning experience.
While players are free to explore the game
world at their own pace, those who desire a more structured experience can
follow a specific learning path. Learning paths direct players to play specific
Serious Games, complete prescribed activities and explore leveled thematic
words and phrases tailored to individual language learning goal.
With support from the William and Flora
Hewlett Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LGN team
has been developing the game to support a diverse community of players through
a new paradigm for language learners.
In its first release, Xenos supports
Spanish-speaking English language learners. Over time, Xenos will
support learning across a wide variety of languages.
Soon to launch in beta, Xenos invites
Spanish-speaking English language learners in high school, college and beyond
to become part of our early community.
Designers and Developers are also being
invited to join the early developer community. As an open educational resource
(OER), Xenos and its underlying Integrated Social Learning Environment (ISLE)
platform enable game designers to contribute to the development of the
experience.
Researchers are also welcome! The Serious Game
design is nurtured by research across a variety of disciplines, including
creative design, learning sciences and information technologies. Join the Xenos
community and explore new ways of learning.