The Sims 2 and Modding

Image source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sims_2

“The Sims 2 in foreign language classroom” is a subpage in “Language learning with New media and Video Games,” which “seeks to present many of the latest theories in game studies and new media literacies alongside theories of language learning.” In the homepage, starting with television-facilitating foreign language education in India, the author explores “remix culture” in foreign language teaching/learning. Described as a trend in youth culture, remix culture is a phenomenon of media recreation by “extracting component pieces” from others’. In the world of video game, there is a special term, “modding.” Moreover, Web 2.0, Mashups and transmedia storytelling are included in elaboration on remix culture. The homepage contains very rich and dense information. However, with too many in-text links rather than a clear layout, the homepage is somewhat difficult to read. To comprehend all the information on the Web, it will take longer time.

Today, my analysis focuses on the video game, The Sims 2 presented on this Web. As the title indicates, “The Sims 2 in foreign language classroom” demonstrates several learning activities created for the foreign language classroom where The Sims 2 is implemented. The Sims 2 is depicted as “an open-ended ‘virtual doll house.’” First, students can use video recording tool to record interactions between characters in the game. Second, students write a narration based on what the characters think about and say. Third, two kinds of activities are constructed respectively to satisfy the students who are not interested in technology and those who enjoy using technology. For the first group of students, they read the script to the class. For the second group of students, they create their audio recordings of the characters’ dialogs and thoughts. Later, they combine their audio files with video and upload their work to a certain community for others’ feedback. It is stated that students can learn vocabulary and practice reading by playing the game or “the modded version of the game.” To enhance students’ writing and speaking, some other activities are also suggested other than the modding activity. For example, students can write about or verbally describe an imaginary family and household.

Also, there is a Q & A section about using The Sims 2 to teach foreign languages. There are some frequently asked questions, including technical inquiries and teaching strategies. The three points listed below are most interesting to me:

1)Strength of The Sims 2: There are no “prescribed goal or directions.” The teacher can use the games “as an authoring tools” to construct learning activities. Students can extend their gaming experience depending on their own learning interests.
2)Language skills: As mentioned above, the modding activity involves students learning vocabulary and reading while they are playing. The teacher needs to create follow-up activities to facilitate students’ listening, speaking, and writing.

3)Gender issue: Not all video games cater to male students. For example, more females than males play The Sims 2.

I’m deeply impressed by the “modding” activity exemplified there. Beyond simply playing pre-designed video games, modding embraces video gamers’ creativity and broadens their language learning opportunities. According to the Web, it seems that The Sims 2 is very popular in some classrooms where German is taught as a foreign language for adults. My question is what the concerns would be if the modding is introduced in K-12 classrooms.