2.2.2 Computer Games
In this part, the writer would like to present some explanation about computer games in teaching vocabulary and Texttwist 2 games.
2.2.2.1. Computer Games in Teaching Vocabulary
In teaching vocabulary, a teacher needs to use proper technique in order to help his students have good understanding on new words being learned. Learning
vocabulary has been considered a boring subject for a long time. So, there should be an effective way in helping learners feel comfortable and interested in the
subject of vocabulary. Huang 1996: 1 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen pointed to the effectiveness of raising word consciousness by playing with words through
games, song, and humour, and encouraging children to recognize when they have encountered new words and notice special characteristic of words.
Huang 1996: 2 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen comes to a conclusion that:
Learning through games could encourage the operation of certain psychological
and intellectual
factors which
could facilitate
communication heightened self-esteem, motivation and spontaneity, reinforcing learning, improving intonation and building confidence.
In addition, Lee 1995: 35 in Asian EFL Journal by Huyen lists several main advantages when games are used in the classroom, including “a welcome
break from the usual routine of the language class”, “motivating and challenging”, “effort of learning”, and “language practice in the various skills.”
In summary, computer games are useful and effective tools that should be applied in vocabulary classes. The use of vocabulary is a way to make the lessons
not only more interesting, enjoyable, and effective, but also practice it incidentally.
2.2.2.2. Texttwist 2 Games
Texttwist 2 game is game which is published by game house. The way of playing this game is by arranging some letters which are given by the teacher in order to
form as many English words as possible within a certain period of time. The game is played in groups. The group which can arrange the most letters into English
word will be the winner. By doing this game, unconsciously the students will recall, write, and discuss to find out English words. Moreover, the students will be
more familiar with English words. In addition, they will unconsciously be motivated to look words up in dictionary.
English is the language used in this game. The players must be creative in creating some words from some letters given. It is provided over 25.000 to be
formed. There are many possibilities words can be arranged from some letters. It is given about twenty columns for placing the words. The players have to arrange
some words which consist of three letters or more. Every level of this game is different in giving letters. It is based on the computer.
It is given six jumbled letters, for example, to build as many as we can before time runs out. If we find a word that uses all the letters, we can advance to
the next round. In building some words, we have to place the letter balls in the solution slots, use the mouse to click them. However, we can type the letters on
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