Flipping Global Simulations: Global Simulations in the Digital Era

Abstract

This paper will explore flipped global simulations as a game-mediated language learning tool. Global simulations, or long term role plays, are well-known to language instructors (particularly in French language courses). In recent years, the trend has moved global simulations online to immerse the players in an alternate world using Internet websites and online platforms. Basing our design on theoretical underpinnings coming from game-mediated language learning, task-based learning, and the pedagogy of a flipped classroom; we will present the concept of a flipped global simulation where the content of the simulation is prepared online before using provided websites while the action of the game takes place during the face-to-face class. This report presents a preliminary analysis of this teaching practice focusing on the perspective of the learner, using data extracted from a flipped French language learning course which included a global simulation as part of the course.