Are you game to learn Arabic in UAE?

The game-based Arabic learning programme targets children between the ages of three and seven.

Virtual reality technology is a perfect tool to teach Arabic language to young children, according to a young Emirati innovator from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
"Our overarching goal is to provide children with immersive game-based learning environments to support Arabic linguistic skills acquisition," explained Shamsa Al Mazrouei, who first started working on her game in 2012 in a 2D format. "Various studies have shown that virtual immersion leads to greater engagement, which, in turn, leads to effective learning. Thus, our Educational Virtual Environment (EVE), built on cognitive immersion principles, immerses players (learners) into a magical, yet authentic, world wherein they can explore various concept-rich ecosystems. The exploration journey becomes a unique self-constructed adventure requiring the use of physical and cognitive skills."
Shamsa Al Mazrouei, who won Dh30,000 for her virtual reality game at the Gitex Student Lab competition in Dubai, noted that her design is primarily aimed at children between the ages of three and seven. It currently consists of a 3D game on a smart phone which is mounted on cardboard virtual reality glasses with a Bluetooth controller. The configuration allows the player to play the game and learn Arabic by exploring various environments and facing physical and cognitive challenges to move from one level to the next.
"The game went through two phases, the first phase was done as a Bachelor's senior project," added Al Mazrouei. "It was an educational 2D game which took us one-and-a-half years from the development process, which we started in fall 2012. In 2014, the game was available in the Samsung stores under the name of Faris Adventures. We analyzed the feedback we received from users of the 2D game, the results of which led us to build a 3D educational immersive game as a Master thesis, starting in fall 2015."
"The goal of developing the immersive educational games is to support the learning of the Arabic language outside the school environment for early learning stages," she added. ""The goal is to also develop novel learning methods and resources, provide learners with different multimedia options to help them learn while playing, as the studies show that immersive worlds lead to effective learning."
Al Mazrouei said: "Investing resources to enhance our children's linguistics skills is critical to their success at school and in their professional life. Consequently, this level of expertise will lead to promoting the Arabic content and language as more people are comfortable with its use."
The model, she noted, need not be necessarily tied to Arabic, and can also be used to help non-native speakers learn the language.
"Also, being available on most platforms - iPhones, x-Box, PlayStation, desktops - it will be accessible to the entire world."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com