Iraqi EFL Students’ Perceptions of Digital Game-Based Vocabulary Learning: A Descriptive Survey at the University of Karbala

Abstract

Acquisition of vocabulary comprehension remains a major endeavor for many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) beginners, especially in contexts where vocabulary training is closely based on traditional recognition strategies. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has emerged as a perhaps attractive approach to vocabulary acquisition by providing interactive contexts, on-the-spot notes, repeated descriptions, and opportunities for substantial language use. Therefore, the perceptions of fourth-year EFL students at Karbala University were investigated and a look at the use of virtual computer games for studying English vocabulary. A quantitative descriptive study design was used. Data are collected through an online dependent questionnaire with 20 items distributed across four dimensions: engagement and motivation, interactive real time feedback on their language performance, language anxiety and repetition, and perceived vocabulary retention. The questionnaire was modified to be completed with the help of 40 fourth-year EFL students. The findings generally revealed amazing retentions of digital entertainment-based vocabulary recognition in general. Exactly 92.5% of individuals agree that digital games influence them to overcome challenges and analyze new vocabulary, while 82.5% agree that immediate feedback helps them to be aware of and correct their mistakes, which are prominent, 90 % agree that repetition was natural and natural virtual traditional vocabulary is extra powerful than Overall, the findings advise that researchers adopt digital computer games an undoubtedly useful complementary approach. Overall, findings support researchers’ understanding of digital games as a potentially useful complementary technology to vocabulary training, especially in terms of motivation, immediate feedback, perceived language stress reduction, and repetition of vocabulary do not directly represent evidence of improvement over a longer period of time.