Designing and developing a mobile teacher professional development course for digital game-enhanced language learning

Abstract

While digital games hold promise for language learning, teachers often lack the knowledge and confidence to integrate them into their curriculum. Existing professional development opportunities are scarce and not always accessible. In this study, a mobile teacher professional development course on Digital Game-Enhanced Language Learning was designed, developed, and evaluated through three iterative cycles. The research employed a Type 1 design and development research methodology. Three groups of language instructors teaching English at the tertiary level participated in the iterative cycles. Data collection included course evaluation questionnaires, achievement tests, lesson plan development, and participant interviews. The findings indicated that the mobile teacher professional development course was effective in improving teacher perceptions of the course content, usability, and self-efficacy in integrating digital games into their teaching. The course also led to a significant increase in participants’ knowledge of Digital Game-Enhanced Language Learning concepts. Overall, the mobile teacher professional development course has the potential to be a valuable tool for equipping language teachers with the skills and confidence needed to leverage digital games in their classrooms. This is particularly relevant considering the growing need for accessible and flexible professional development opportunities, such as during a global crisis.