First aid for language (EHBT)
Immigrants can practice Dutch during work
For Weener XL (Employment support and equal opportunity organisation of the municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch) I developed a game in which immigrant workers who are employed through WeenerXL can practice the Dutch language and specifically words and terms related to their work.
Game concept
The game integrates the words that need to be practiced in minigames. The words are repesented visually with icons or images and auditively, so they are pronounced with every interaction.
The minigames are coupled with a reward system that motivates to repeatedly play the minigames to unlock landmarks and buildings on a 3D map of Holland.
Minigames
Two minigames are available that take no longer than one minute to complete and incorporate sets of work-related terms (such as the names of common tools). This supports the intended repeated play in short sessions, for example during lunch break. Research has shown that repeated practice in short sessions is an effective way to learn.
Conveyor minigame:
Memory minigame:
“Overworld” game:
With the points collected by playing the minigames, players can unlock things in the “overworld” part of the game. These collectables are famous Dutch buildings and landmarks placed on the correct location of a 3D map of The Netherlands as well as new vehicles to navigate around in. This serves as motivation to repeatedly play the minigames and practice of the language. Thematically the Dutch map with landmarks fits perfectly with the target audience of immigrants that are settling in our country and want to get to know it better.
Unlocking landmarks:
Buying vehicles:
Birds-eye view of the map with unlocked landmarks:
