Interactive Language Learning Games
Mentira is a mobile Spanish language learning reality game developed by the University of New Mexico. This is a place-based game that requires students to interact with a specific context; in this instance, a neighborhood in New Mexico. The game is a mix of historical fiction and murder mystery played in groups of 3 to 5 students. Played entirely in Spanish, the students use problem solving skills, along with linguistic and interpersonal skills to discover clues hidden within the neighborhood by talking with citizens. Each clue provides a key to the next steps to the game which is played on an iPhone platform.
This interactive game draws on many of Gardner's intelligences: logical/mathematical (problem solving), interpersonal (working in teams and interacting with the community), visual/spatial (connecting words with objects within the environment), and verbal/linguistic (dialogue produced on the mobile device and within the environment and each other).
Mobile devices allow for Situated Learning. Situated Learning Theory (Lave) argues that learning is enhanced when it can be delivered in an authentic context and/situation. It is the belief that through collaboration or "communities of practice" that learning is developed at a sustained and deep level. Providing students access to activities like Mentira in an authentic context offers this type of learning environment; an aspect a classroom cannot mimic.