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Serious Games Creating Cultural Experiences To Reinforce Language-Learning


Following my prior post Serious Games For Online Language-Learning, which covered the agreement between Middlebury Interactive Languages with Muzzy Lane Software to produce an online language-learning role-playing game, here are some recent news about the development.

Muzzy Lane is partnering with MIL to create an innovative 3D language learning role-play game as part of MIL's online world language courses. The MIL courses will adapt the highly successful full-immersion formula modeled on the Middlebury College Language Schools for online delivery.

Initially, Muzzy Lane will produce versions of the game to support French and Spanish languages, and each version will include a rich 3D environment specific to that culture.

Students will interact with computer characters and each other in the plaza of a small French (or Spanish) city, and will be able to exercise their language skills in a variety of real-life situations and interesting game challenges.

Students will collaborate with others to obtain and share clues to complete quests and advance in the game, all while reinforcing their developing foreign language knowledge. The game will mirror MIL's unique formula of using engaging and authentic cultural experiences to reinforce language learning in real-world context, rather than by simple memorization drills.

About Middlebury Interactive Languages

With the world growing more connected every day, the need to communicate effectively in a foreign language is clear. Despite that, only 18% of Americans speak a second language, compared to more than 50% in the European Union.

Middlebury Interactive Languages, LLC, is an online language learning company that combines the rich history of Middlebury College’s language programs with K¹²’s patented and ground-breaking methodologies for creating effective online courses.

For nearly 100 years, Middlebury College’s language programs have been immersing students in language, helping them make huge leaps in ability, confidence and cultural understanding. K¹² is the leader in online learning for grades K-12, with over 2 million courses delivered to date, a patented method for online learning, and a 95% satisfaction rating from parents. Middlebury’s pioneering approach in language learning combined with K¹²’s unique knowledge of creating dynamic, effective online courses will create market-changing, 21st Century online language learning options for students in grades K-12.

For more information, visit http://www.middleburyinteractive.com/.

About Muzzy Lane Software

Muzzy Lane Software is an innovative developer of 3D single and multiplayer games. Based in Newburyport, Mass, the company creates its own branded games and works with partners to produce private-label games based on the company’s Sandstone platform. Sandstone delivers true 3D games in the browser, as a web service, with tight integration between the games and the web. Muzzy Lane provides simple web tools that support the customization of Sandstone games.

For more information, visit http://www.muzzylane.com/.

A full immersion language game