Overview of the Impact of Games on Learning English Vocabulary in Children

Name of Group:

1. Jon Henri Prima Saragih (1801030100)

2. Keysa Saragih (1801030107)

3. Annisa Putri Butar-Butar (1801030114)

4. Natalia Ayu Lestari Panjaitan (1801030077)

Group: P1. A2

Lecturer : David Berthony Manalu, M. Pd

UNIVERSITY OF HKBP NOMMENSEN PEMATANG SIANTAR

ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM

2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

1.2 Research Problem

1.3 Research Purpose

1.4 Research Significance

CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Defenition of Digital Games

2.2 Benefits of Digital Games

2.3 Challenges in Using Digital Games

2.4 Effect of Online Games on Children’s Development

CHAPTER III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Research Subject (Research Data)

3.3. Technique of Data collection

3.4 Triangulation

3.5 Procedure of Data Analysis

REFERENCES
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest towards using technology in different fields of human
life, particularly, in education. Digital games are used for entertainment and facilitating the
process of learning (Ilomaki & Kankaanranta, 2009). In addition, the use of technology has a
significant effect in various social and cultural contexts, as it helps in improving the
language of children as well as increasing their cultural awareness. According to Taghizadeh et
al. (2017), the use of games enables children to learn vocabulary better than using traditional
ways. It is necessary to understand two important facts before using a game as an educational
tool: children competence and their cultural feedback must be taken into account. In addition, it
should be useful for children with lower language ability and should be easily practiced
anywhere. Many experienced course book and procedural manual scholars have stressed that
games have a great learning value (Derakhshan & Khatir, 2015). This paper offers the rationale
for implementing games as a stress-free tool of learning words. It is believed that games
can have the potentiality to contextualize learning words.

1.2 Research Problem

1. What is the definition of digital game?

What are the benefits of a digital game for a child?

2. What are the challenges of using digital games for children in the learning process?

3. How do online games affect children's developmental learning strategies?

1.3 Research Purpose

1. Explain the definition of digital games

Identify the benefits of digital games for a child, whether the game is good or bad.

2. Explaining the challenges of using digital games for children's learning process

3. Analyze how online games affect the learning strategies used by students in learning child
development

1.4 Research Significance

The significances of the study:

The results of this study are expected to give both theoretically and practical benefits as follow:

Theoretically

a) For English teacher The result of this research is to overview of the Impact of Games on
Learning English Vocabulary in Children.

b) For the students this study is hoped to improve learning English Vocabulary in Children.

c) For researchers, this research is expected to guide the general description of the impact of
games on learning English vocabulary in children.

Practically

a) For English Teachers The author hopes to help teachers to know about the General
description of the Impact of Games on Learning English Vocabulary in Children.

b) For students And for students, to improve English Vocabulary Learning in Children.

c) For the ResearcherThis study can use the result of this research to be reference.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 DEFENITION OF DIGITAL GAMES

The game can be interpreted as an educational technique related to learning. According to Liu
and Chen (2013), digital games can help EFL children learn vocabulary by providing animated
graphics and audio impact as well as good motivation to learn foreign language vocabulary.

According to Noraddin and Kian (2014) classifies digital games into two types, namely: the first
is instructional games, meaning that educators use this type to achieve certain educational goals
with fun elements and doing exercises can help these game players to learn foreign language
vocabulary. The second is commercial-off-the-shelf, meaning that it indicates that the educator
or teacher uses these games without any consideration or instructional purposes, and also that
these games are used for the element of fun only.

Some scholars who show the effect of using games in learning target language
vocabulary (Vasileiadou & Makrina, 2017). In line with that, Ashraf, et al.(2014) discusses the
effect of using games in vocabulary learning for children. Therefore scholars, participants were
divided into two groups. One of these groups is taught vocabulary target language using games.
Twenty-five is the number of the group. (Ashraf et al., 2014). Also, Calvo-Ferrer (2017)
investigated the game impact in learning of vocabulary. In his study, the number of participants
who were exposed to the vocabulary of the foreign language during using games while the other
numbers learned the foreign vocabulary by practicing vocabulary exercises in their textbooks.

Peterson (2013) studied the impact of learning vocabulary during kindergarten games in
the Netherlands. Peterson carried out his experience with sixty-seven children. The children are
playing games for fifteen minutes twice a week. However, ninety-seven children are taught by
practice regular curriculum. His findings demonstrate the positive impact of computer games on
the vocabulary acquisition. In addition, Sundqvist and Sylvn (2014) emphasize
The significant role of games in increasing children's motivation to learn vocabulary English.
Seventy-six EL children in Sundqvist and Sylvèn's study were in the fourth stage of elementary
school. According to research results, most of the children more confident and motivated to learn
English vocabulary and present a fun element to the children's class. In contrast, Bytheway's
(2014) study investigated the role of online games in using vocabulary for children in the
learning process. His study included six professional players. Yudintseva (2015) uses mixed
methods to reflect that learning using games can help EFL children improve their vocabulary in
the context of the target language.

Children can practice all English skills well if they learn vocabulary and comprehend its link
with all skills of English (Schmitt, 2010). However, learning vocabulary is the main challenge
for learning a target language; most children sound to face the same problems in learning
vocabularies because of a lack of motivation (Jung & Graf, 2008). There are several ways and
strategies that can be used by teachers to enable children to learn vocabulary. The use of real
materials can help children to learn a lot of vocabulary. So, it is good to learn vocabulary. The
direct approach is also useful where no translation for children's native language is available.
Only the English language is used in the classroom. Using games with various activities is also a
good method to assist children learn a lot of vocabularies in a short period.

2.2 BENEFITS OF DIGITAL GAMES

Many studies have emphasized that games have a positive impact on vocabulary learning,
especially in children (Prensky, 2003; Leemkuil, 2006; Gee, 2012; Tüzün et al. 2009; Van Eck,
2006). Digital games provide an actual learning environment where students collaborate with
each other (Drakhshan & Davoodi Khatir, 2015). Huyen and Nga (2003) emphasize the role of
games by providing opportunities for children to apply English in a real communicative context
in their classrooms. Similarly, Kalaycioglu (2011) emphasizes the importance of digital games,
because these games make students the center of activity in the classroom. That is why the game
can be changed according to the instructional goals of the children, their age as well as their
level. Providing multimedia context is available by using games so that children are involved in
learning vocabulary. Thus, they are encouraged to interact with other classmates and acquire
vocabulary (Segal-Drori et al., 2010; Silsüpür, 2017). There are other benefits of play in
different instructional aspects (Tsai et al., 2011). Digital games help young learners to learn
vocabulary with more motivation than traditional teaching methods (Tuzun, et al., 2009).
Furthermore, Tsai et al. (2011) asserted that using digital games can develop students' verbal
abilities and social skills. Similarly, many researchers emphasize that technology gives children
the opportunity to learn the four English skills not only in the classroom but also outside it
through social interactions (Gee, 2005; Wang et al, 2008). Children can develop their English by
using this game in a social context. The use of games in the classroom provides equal
opportunities for children to engage in different activities. In particular, students who are shy
and weak in English can be turned into active elements in their participation and interaction by
using games (Taghizadeh, 2017). Digital games serve as a great tool for learning vocabulary
because they provide a meaningful context for learning vocabulary and add to the entertainment
in the classroom. According to Pomerantz and Bell (2007), using digital games for example,
provides a fun element while at the same time having a significant role in the learning process
for children (Taghizadeh et al., 2017). In addition, creating a suitable learning environment for
children makes them the center of activities in the classroom (Uzun, 2009; Liu et al., 2011;
Sánchez & Olivares, 2011; Gunawardhana & Palaniappan, 2015). For Tsai (2012), games can
also help children overcome their learning problems and increase their motivation and self-
confidence. The use of games can also encourage children to collaborate with other classmates
in the class (Sánchez & Olivares, 2011). Using games in education reduces fear and anxiety.
Digital games can have a positive impact on children.

2.3. CHALLENGES IN USING DIGITAL GAMES

Some researchers suggest that there are major challenges in the use of games in the learning
process (Koh et al., 2011; Rice, 2007; Baek, 2008). Although many Arabic language teaching
institutions encourage the use of games in learning, no specific strategy has been adopted
regarding the use of games. This is due to inadequate educational game equipment, poor teacher
training, and poor government support for the use of technology (Koh et al., 2011). Other
challenges are insufficient time, poor curriculum, and high cost of games (Moncada & Moncada,
2014; Rastegarpour and Marashi (2012); Koh et al., 2011; Rice, 2007; Baek, 2008).
Gunawardhana and Palaniappan (2015) show that physical illness can occur by playing this
game continuously. According to Taghizadeh (2017), children can suffer from addiction due to
the use of games. Thus, negative impacts can occur when they play games for a long time.

2.4 EFFECT OF ONLINE GAMES ON CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT

The development of technology is very rapid, making it easier for children to access various
kinds of information they want very easily through an internet connection. One that can be
accessed by children is online games. Online games are games that connect the players via an
internet connection. The development of online games cannot be separated from the
development of games from generation to generation. The first generation game appeared Atari
2600, this game is a game that was released in 1977 which is better known as VCS (Video
Computer System), then the second generation game appeared with the Atari 7800 in 1986, then
the third generation appeared NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). The fourth generation is
playstation to the current generation of games, namely online games that come with an internet
connection, for example counter strike games, age of empires, clash of clans, mobile legends,
call of duty, pubg mobile, free fire, and others. Game changes from generation to generation are
very influential on the players who are often called gamers, gamers are competing to own and
play the online games they like.

Online games have a considerable influence on people who play these games, one of which is
children because they already own and play online games. Today's children are accustomed to
gadgets to play online games, this is the fault of parents. Parents may just want to show affection
to their children by providing various facilities such as sophisticated gadgets, but indirectly
parents have taught negative things to children that can interfere with their child's development
in the future. Online games can have a negative influence on children's development, a very
visible influence is that children will lose track of time and spend hours playing online games,
children will be addicted to playing online games so that children will have a sense of desire to
play continuously, as a result children will suffer from diseases such as minus eyes because they
always look at the computer screen and other gadgets. Another negative influence is that online
games can damage children's morals and social behavior, because children will have a selfish
attitude, act arbitrarily, stubborn, and children will close themselves off from the outside world
so that children rarely interact with other people around them. In addition, online games also
make children commit criminal acts, such as stealing to just play online games that require a fee
to pay for an internet connection.

In addition to having a negative influence, online games also have a positive influence on
children's development. Online games apart from being an entertainment medium for children,
the results of research that have been carried out show that some online games have a positive
influence on children's IQ development, online games can also help children to improve their
memory. Many online games can bring players to be good, and can think logically. An example
is the game Tetris which is considered an online game to build IQ development, because this
game requires enthusiasm, speed, and high logic power. Besides Tetris, there are also online
games that have a positive influence on children's development, namely the Backgammon game,
this game can help children train concentration and focus like playing chess.