Towards a serious game for Portuguese learning

Abstract

Language learning resources are constantly evolving alongside technology. One of such resources is REAP.PT, a system which aims to raise users proficiency in the Portuguese language in an interactive manner. Its current features include text-based exercises. This paper describes the evolution of REAP.PT aiming on locative prepositions used to describe the spatial position between objects. In this new REAP.PT, exercises take place in a 3D environment, and are complemented with gaming aspects to make them more appealing to students. The game scenario is an office, where each room contains different exercises. Completing exercises awards the student with points that unlock harder rooms. This provides the student with a challenge and a sense of progression. We believe that with these gaming aspects, students will have increased motivation to complete exercises. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.