Open AccessEvaluating the use of web-based games on students' vocabulary retention
Author(s) -
Zulfiqar Ali,
Norsuhaily Abu Bakar,
Waqar Ahmad,
Jumadil Saputra
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
international journal of data and network science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.296
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 2561-8156
pISSN - 2561-8148
DOI - 10.5267/j.ijdns.2022.4.001
Subject(s) - vocabulary , task (project management) , computer science , vocabulary learning , perception , mathematics education , retention rate , multimedia , psychology , engineering , linguistics , philosophy , computer security , systems engineering , neuroscience
Today, the use of technology has made education more enjoyable. Vocabulary retention becomes a challenging task for both teachers and learners. They may learn the vocabulary but may not retain it. Yet, the use of web-based games may assist them in maintaining words known for short and long-term retention. The current study was conducted to identify students' abilities in retaining words learned after they were assigned to play a web-based vocabulary learning game, namely OnVac. Both short and long-term retention were measured after they were required to play the game as a treatment. Also, the study investigated students' perceptions about the system operation of OnVac. The use of quantitative research design, particularly quasi-experimental research and survey showed gains in vocabulary retention among students for short and long-term retention. The study also found that OnVac can support vocabulary learning among students in their learning of the specialized vocabulary. In terms of the system operation, the participants reported that the tool could assist them in learning engineering and technology words as it was convenient to use. The study provided implications to the teaching pedagogy in that teachers need to be wise and analytical in developing the online game to assist learners in learning English specialized vocabulary.