Synchronous (Onsite) Technology / Online Learning / CALL / MALL Poster Presentation (120 mins)
Minecraft: PBL 21st-Century program proposal
Launching in 2011, Minecraft’s popularity has continued to grow. The sandbox nature of Minecraft allows for incredible freedom in terms of competition, cooperation, solo, structured, semi-structured, or free-roam activities. The authors have taken their experience and student feedback from their 2-year long Minecraft project conducted through their university’s Self-Access Learning Center to propose a more formal course and/or certificate program. This program will focus on increasing students’ English-based 21st-century skills through a project-based framework. They have put together three possible program plans to better accommodate teacher and administrative needs, a full 16-week semester option, an 8-week elective course, and the most versatile, a 6-week certificate workshop. Overall academic goals are framed through a CEFR lens with various “can-do” milestones. Various outputs have been proposed such as a PBL learning journal, Minecraft co-op puzzle maps, Minecraft-theme “lifeboat exercises,” and having students create how-to tutorial videos.
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Robert has been working and living in Japan for over 15 years. He currently works at Sojo University in Kumamoto. Robert is heavily involved in JALT and is currently the CALL coordinator and JALTCALL 2023 conference co-chair.
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Interested in collaboration, COIL, and using eSports to promote English outside of the classroom. Message me on Discord or send an email if you want to collaborate or participate in a virtual exchange with my university students in Japan. robertr(at)m.sojo-u.ac.jp