Using a Game-Based Translation Learning App and Google Apps to Enhance Translation Skills: Amplification and Omission

Abstract

This study investigated whether the translation skills (amplification and omission) of Taiwanese undergraduate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students could be enhanced by a digital game-based learning app called CHEN-slate and Google apps in an introductory translation course. The two skills were chosen because they are two basic translation skills which require translators to apply totally different techniques to translate. The participants were divided into two groups with two phases. In amplification learning, Group A students used the digital game-based app to learn, while Group B students used Google apps to practice the target skill. For omission learning, Groups A and B switched the learning platform. Pretests, immediate posttests, and delayed posttests were conducted to evaluate students’ performance. The study findings indicate that utilizing game-based and Google apps in the translation class could enhance students’ learning performance based on their posttests and delayed posttests. The majority of students in both groups also indicated that both systems could enhance their performance and learning experience. This study offers pedagogical implications for instructors in translation courses to improve students’ performance and effectively use game-based learning and Google apps in translation courses. Future research should promote the adoption of ICT tools in translation courses.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Yulin Chen

Yulin Chen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Foreign Languages and Applied Linguistics of Yuan Ze University, Taiwan. She received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Kansas, USA. Her research interests include Educational Technology and Second Language Acquisition.