Web-based Conversation Quest for Enhancing English Speaking Skills

Abstract

In this paper, a Conversation Quest in the educational game platform MEGA World v2.1, for English learners to practice their speaking skills is introduced. The system is designed specifically for assisting English learners to cultivate their speaking proficiency. Providing a non-threatening environment with goal-oriented tasks, learners are invited to join a game with scaffolded speaking tasks. Based on Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory, social interaction is a key element for improving language acquisition and speech fluency. It is believed that English learners would improve their communication skills in using the target language while interacting with native English speakers because they can provide support or authentic language usage examples for learners through scaffolding structures like modeling, repetition, or linguistic simplification. In reality, however, a native English speaker may not be available for all English learners, so the Conversation Quest in MEGA World v2.1 is designed and developed to provide learners with simulated conversation scenarios.