The project aims to research, design and develop a digital second language learning game that could be used to teach Swedish and Finnish as a second language to newly-arrived immigrant students in Finland. The vision is that the game will support the preparatory class curriculum and can be used both in school and during leisure time.
The game is developed through a user-centred design process, where both teachers, students, reearchers and game developers participate throughout the process. The research that is carried out in parallel with the game development, focuses partly on the process (the effectiveness of using user-centred co-creation approach), the adaptation of content from the preparatory class curriculum and responsive digital pedagogy as a means to engage 21st century digital natives.
This project addresses the current achievement gap between native Finns and immigrants and has the potential to improve communication, well-being, and social integration in Finland and other European countries that face similar integration hurdles.
