https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8435-9739
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Abstract
Given the importance of word knowledge for second language acquisition, there is always a need for effective word-learning approaches from language learners. With the rapid development of educational technologies, game-based learning is emerging into a field with considerable potential, within which, digital game-based vocabulary learning has accrued increasing attention from language learners, educators and researchers. The present research reviews studies on digital game-based vocabulary learning from five perspectives: a general overview of published studies, digital games for vocabulary learning, theoretical frameworks, research issues and findings, and implications. Using specific criteria for article selection, 21 publications in SSCI journals were finalized for the systematic review. Findings revealed 10 types of digital games dominate the field, and these generally demonstrate positive effects in promoting short-term and long-term vocabulary learning, facilitating reading and listening comprehension, increasing motivation and engagement, decreasing anxiety and fostering interactions among learners. These findings further render implications that are meaningful for vocabulary learning and game design.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
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Notes on contributors
Di Zou
Dr. Di Zou is an Assistant Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include second-language acquisition, technology-enhanced language learning, game-based language learning and flipped classroom. She has published more than 20 articles in many prestigious journals and conferences (e.g. Language Teaching Research, Interactive Learning Environment, Journal of Educational Technology & Society, British Journal of Educational Technology, Journal of Computing in Higher Education, IEEE Multimedia Magazine, Lexikos, Neurocomputing, etc.). She has also served as the Book Editor of Current Developments in Web-based Learning, Guest Editors of international journals (e.g. International Journal of Distance Learning Technologies, International Journal of Learning and Innovation), and Co-Chairs of international conferences such as GCCCE, SETE, ICTE, ICCE, IEEE ICALT, UMLL, IWUM, AADI, and ETLL.
Yan Huang
Huang Yan is a research assistant at the Education University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include technology-enhanced language learning, technology-enhanced translation, cross-cultural studies and modernist translation.
Haoran Xie
Dr. Haoran Xie is an Assistant Professor at The Education University of Hong Kong. He received his PhD in Computer Science from the City University of Hong Kong. His research interests include artificial intelligence, educational technologies, and big data. He has published Totally published 161 research publications including 67 journal articles (34 papers as first or corresponding author and 49 SCI/SSCI indexed and 12 SCOPUS indexed). He has been has served as 9 guest editors in special issues of journals, editors of 4 books, organization committee chairs/members of more than 55 conferences, and reviewers of 27 international journals, and obtained research fund of more than HK$ 20 million. In addition, he has obtained 3 best/excellent paper awards from international conferences, a silver award from 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, the president's award for outstanding performance in research from the Education University of Hong Kong, and registered one patent.