Welcome to the Peterson lab at Kyoto University. In this lab we investigate how digital technologies can be used to facilitate second language acquisition (SLA).
Current research areas under investigation include the use of digital games and gamification. We are also exploring use of virtual worlds and computer-mediated communication (CMC) in computer assisted language learning (CALL).
Principle Investigator
Associate Professor Mark Peterson received his PhD in linguistics from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Peterson's research focuses on investigating the use of digital games and virtual worlds in language education. Further information on his publications can be found at his google scholar page.
News
Dr Peterson was recently awarded the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science research grant for the project entitled, An investigation of the role of teacher intervention in effective digital game-based vocabulary learning. This grant-in-aid for scientific research (Kakenhi) will run for three years from April 2024.
On Monday March 25th 2024 lab members Spencer Hanlin, Ihsan Arshad and Leander Hughes were awarded their doctoral degrees.
Dr. Mark Peterson was appointed external examiner (PhD) at Flinders University in March 2024.
The volume Frontiers in technology-mediated language learning edited by Dr Mark Peterson and Dr Nasser Jabbari (University of Essex) was recently published by Routledge. This volume forms part of the series New directions in computer assisted language learning .
On February 2nd 2024 lab member Ihsan Arshad successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled A case study investigation of an adventure video game: Second language development through the lens of sociocultural theory for examination.
The paper Mapping the research trends of digital game-based language learning (DGBLL): A scientometrics review (by Dr Ke Li, Dr Mark Peterson, Dr Qiao Wang & Dr Haitao Wang) was recently accepted for publication in the journal Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Dr Mark Peterson is an invited contributor to the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Computer-Assisted Language Learning.
The volume Digital games and language learning: theory, development and implementation (Bloomsbury, 2021) edited by Dr Peterson, Dr. Yamazaki and Dr. Thomas will be translated into Arabic by the Arab Group For Training & Publishing.
Dr. Mark Peterson will be appointed external examiner (PhD) at Abertay University in 2024.
On January 26th 2024 lab member Leander Hughes successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled The Effect of Text-Based Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication on Second Language Acquisition for examination.
On January 26th 2024 Spencer Hanlin successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Sussing Out Complexity: Application of a Digital Social Deduction Game for Syntax Development and Analysis in Second Language Learning for examination.
In August 2023 lab member Louis Lafleur presented at the EUROCALL 2023 conference.
Dr. Peterson's paper Digital simulation games in CALL: a research review was published in Computer Assisted Language Learning (2023).
The book chapter Digital games in English language teaching by Dr Peterson, Dr Kevin Worobitz and Nurul Ihsan Arshad was published in the edited volume Educational technology in English language teaching (2023).
Dr. Peterson completed a three year term on the editorial board of the journal Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (2020-2023).
Lab member Spencer Hanlin presented the paper Social Deduction Games as a Tool for Developing Complex Syntax at the JALTCALL 2023 conference.
The paper Complexity, accuracy, and fluency improvements through massively multiplayer online gaming: a longitudinal mixed-methods case study by Dr Nasser Jabbari and Dr Mark Peterson was recently published by The Language Learning Journal (2023).
On January 23rd 2023 Ke Li successfully defended her thesis entitled Exploring the practices of digital game-based language learning through action research.
On January 18th 2023 Michael Hofmeyr successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled The potential of cooperative digital games for SLA: an analysis of interaction and attitudes among Japanese learners of english.
On December 9th 2022 Jeremy White successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Language learning in the digital game Minecraft: a mixed methods study of Japanese EFL learners.
On November 18th 2022 Robert Swier successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled, Foreign language learner task-based interaction in the virtual world Minecraft.
On October 5th 2022 Dr Kasumi Yamazaki (University of Toledo) visited our lab.
On September 2nd 2022 Kevin Wrobetz successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Single-player RPGs as a medium of instruction in formal foreign language education.
Michael Hofmeyr, Leander Hughes and Dr Peterson presented at the XXIst International CALL Research Conference.
The paper Out-of-school language learning through digital gaming: a case study from an activity theory perspective (lead author Li Ke) was accepted for publication in Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Dr. Peterson, Jeremy White, Spencer Hanlin and Kevin Wrobetz presented at the JaltCall 2022 conference.
The paper Digital gaming in the language classroom: students’ language performance, engagement and perception (lead author Li Ke) was published in the International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.
Dr. Peterson was appointed lead editor of the new book series New directions in computer assisted language learning (Routledge).
Dr. Peterson and Dr. Nasser Jabbari edited the volume Digital games in language learning and teaching: case studies and applications that was published by Routledge (2022).
The volume edited by Dr. Peterson, Dr. Yamazaki (University of Toledo) and Dr. Thomas (Liverpool John Moores University), Digital games and language learning: theory, development and implementation was published by Bloomsbury (2021).
Michael Hofmeyr's paper Lighting the fuse for interaction and negotiation: the potential of information-gap digital puzzle games for language learning was published in the journal Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (2021).
The paper Using community of inquiry to scaffold language learning in out-of-school gaming: a case study (lead author Ke Li) was published in the International Journal of Game-Based Learning (2021).
Dr. Peterson was a keynote speaker at the IEEE Conference on Games (CoG) 2020.
Michael Hofmeyr and Robert Swier gave talks at the JALTCALL 2020 conference.
Dr. Peterson and Dr. Mariusz Kruk (University of Zielona Góra, Poland) edited the volume New technological applications for foreign and second language learning and teaching, IGI Global (2020).
In January 2020 Dr. Judy Wang successfully defended her thesis entitled Game-based language learning in ESL Classrooms: effective interventions and influences on students’ vocabulary acquisition, communicative competence and writing.
Projects
Exploring learner attitudes towards Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs).
Gamification effects on digital flashcard vocabulary learning.
The effects of interactivity of different video game genres on L2 vocabulary acquisition.
The effect of text-based synchronous computer-mediated communication on second language acquisition.
Use of social deduction games in CALL.
Links
CALICO (Gaming SIG).
CALICO Journal.
CALL-EJ (online journal).
Computer Assisted Language Learning (online journal).
DiGRA (Digital Games Research Association).
EUROSIS (The European Multidisciplinary Society for Modelling and Simulation Technology).
EUROCALL (European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning).
GAMLIT (research network on gaming and literacies).
Games for Change.
Higher Education Video Game Alliance.
IALLT (International association for language learning technology).
International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.
International Society for Presence Research.
Language Learning & Technology (online journal).
L1 Educational Studies in Language and Literature (online journal).
Ludic Language Pedagogy (online journal).
ReCALL (online journal).
Research in Learning Technology (online journal).
SOLAR (Society for learning analytics research)
Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (online journal).
Current research areas under investigation include the use of digital games and gamification. We are also exploring use of virtual worlds and computer-mediated communication (CMC) in computer assisted language learning (CALL).
Principle Investigator
Associate Professor Mark Peterson received his PhD in linguistics from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Peterson's research focuses on investigating the use of digital games and virtual worlds in language education. Further information on his publications can be found at his google scholar page.
News
Dr Peterson was recently awarded the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science research grant for the project entitled, An investigation of the role of teacher intervention in effective digital game-based vocabulary learning. This grant-in-aid for scientific research (Kakenhi) will run for three years from April 2024.
On Monday March 25th 2024 lab members Spencer Hanlin, Ihsan Arshad and Leander Hughes were awarded their doctoral degrees.
Dr. Mark Peterson was appointed external examiner (PhD) at Flinders University in March 2024.
The volume Frontiers in technology-mediated language learning edited by Dr Mark Peterson and Dr Nasser Jabbari (University of Essex) was recently published by Routledge. This volume forms part of the series New directions in computer assisted language learning .
On February 2nd 2024 lab member Ihsan Arshad successfully defended her PhD thesis entitled A case study investigation of an adventure video game: Second language development through the lens of sociocultural theory for examination.
The paper Mapping the research trends of digital game-based language learning (DGBLL): A scientometrics review (by Dr Ke Li, Dr Mark Peterson, Dr Qiao Wang & Dr Haitao Wang) was recently accepted for publication in the journal Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Dr Mark Peterson is an invited contributor to the Palgrave Encyclopedia of Computer-Assisted Language Learning.
The volume Digital games and language learning: theory, development and implementation (Bloomsbury, 2021) edited by Dr Peterson, Dr. Yamazaki and Dr. Thomas will be translated into Arabic by the Arab Group For Training & Publishing.
Dr. Mark Peterson will be appointed external examiner (PhD) at Abertay University in 2024.
On January 26th 2024 lab member Leander Hughes successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled The Effect of Text-Based Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication on Second Language Acquisition for examination.
On January 26th 2024 Spencer Hanlin successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Sussing Out Complexity: Application of a Digital Social Deduction Game for Syntax Development and Analysis in Second Language Learning for examination.
In August 2023 lab member Louis Lafleur presented at the EUROCALL 2023 conference.
Dr. Peterson's paper Digital simulation games in CALL: a research review was published in Computer Assisted Language Learning (2023).
The book chapter Digital games in English language teaching by Dr Peterson, Dr Kevin Worobitz and Nurul Ihsan Arshad was published in the edited volume Educational technology in English language teaching (2023).
Dr. Peterson completed a three year term on the editorial board of the journal Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (2020-2023).
Lab member Spencer Hanlin presented the paper Social Deduction Games as a Tool for Developing Complex Syntax at the JALTCALL 2023 conference.
The paper Complexity, accuracy, and fluency improvements through massively multiplayer online gaming: a longitudinal mixed-methods case study by Dr Nasser Jabbari and Dr Mark Peterson was recently published by The Language Learning Journal (2023).
On January 23rd 2023 Ke Li successfully defended her thesis entitled Exploring the practices of digital game-based language learning through action research.
On January 18th 2023 Michael Hofmeyr successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled The potential of cooperative digital games for SLA: an analysis of interaction and attitudes among Japanese learners of english.
On December 9th 2022 Jeremy White successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Language learning in the digital game Minecraft: a mixed methods study of Japanese EFL learners.
On November 18th 2022 Robert Swier successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled, Foreign language learner task-based interaction in the virtual world Minecraft.
On October 5th 2022 Dr Kasumi Yamazaki (University of Toledo) visited our lab.
On September 2nd 2022 Kevin Wrobetz successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Single-player RPGs as a medium of instruction in formal foreign language education.
Michael Hofmeyr, Leander Hughes and Dr Peterson presented at the XXIst International CALL Research Conference.
The paper Out-of-school language learning through digital gaming: a case study from an activity theory perspective (lead author Li Ke) was accepted for publication in Computer Assisted Language Learning.
Dr. Peterson, Jeremy White, Spencer Hanlin and Kevin Wrobetz presented at the JaltCall 2022 conference.
The paper Digital gaming in the language classroom: students’ language performance, engagement and perception (lead author Li Ke) was published in the International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.
Dr. Peterson was appointed lead editor of the new book series New directions in computer assisted language learning (Routledge).
Dr. Peterson and Dr. Nasser Jabbari edited the volume Digital games in language learning and teaching: case studies and applications that was published by Routledge (2022).
The volume edited by Dr. Peterson, Dr. Yamazaki (University of Toledo) and Dr. Thomas (Liverpool John Moores University), Digital games and language learning: theory, development and implementation was published by Bloomsbury (2021).
Michael Hofmeyr's paper Lighting the fuse for interaction and negotiation: the potential of information-gap digital puzzle games for language learning was published in the journal Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (2021).
The paper Using community of inquiry to scaffold language learning in out-of-school gaming: a case study (lead author Ke Li) was published in the International Journal of Game-Based Learning (2021).
Dr. Peterson was a keynote speaker at the IEEE Conference on Games (CoG) 2020.
Michael Hofmeyr and Robert Swier gave talks at the JALTCALL 2020 conference.
Dr. Peterson and Dr. Mariusz Kruk (University of Zielona Góra, Poland) edited the volume New technological applications for foreign and second language learning and teaching, IGI Global (2020).
In January 2020 Dr. Judy Wang successfully defended her thesis entitled Game-based language learning in ESL Classrooms: effective interventions and influences on students’ vocabulary acquisition, communicative competence and writing.
Projects
Exploring learner attitudes towards Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs).
Gamification effects on digital flashcard vocabulary learning.
The effects of interactivity of different video game genres on L2 vocabulary acquisition.
The effect of text-based synchronous computer-mediated communication on second language acquisition.
Use of social deduction games in CALL.
Links
CALICO (Gaming SIG).
CALICO Journal.
CALL-EJ (online journal).
Computer Assisted Language Learning (online journal).
DiGRA (Digital Games Research Association).
EUROSIS (The European Multidisciplinary Society for Modelling and Simulation Technology).
EUROCALL (European Association for Computer Assisted Language Learning).
GAMLIT (research network on gaming and literacies).
Games for Change.
Higher Education Video Game Alliance.
IALLT (International association for language learning technology).
International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching.
International Society for Presence Research.
Language Learning & Technology (online journal).
L1 Educational Studies in Language and Literature (online journal).
Ludic Language Pedagogy (online journal).
ReCALL (online journal).
Research in Learning Technology (online journal).
SOLAR (Society for learning analytics research)
Technology in Language Teaching & Learning (online journal).