Evaluation of exer-learning technology for teaching refugees: Teaching German as foreign language to pupils with migrant background

Abstract

This paper describes the benefits of the connection between exercise, gaming and learning and examines the positive effects of so called exer-learning games — like HOPSCOTCH. It explores the research question wether HOPSCOTCH could be a significant tool in educational institutions to support young refugees in German language acquisition. Firstly, a closer look at the benefits of the connections between exercise and learning is taken. In a second step, these benefits will be examined by the exer-learning technology HOPSCOTCH. For the evaluation, an application was designed to learn German language. HOPSCOTCH was deployed in special language classes for young refugees at two schools, and in mixed groups at one kindergarten with a high rate of children with migrant background. After a period of five months, several positive learning, social, phycological and cognitive effects have been observed. HOPSCOTCH proved to be a tool which supports the learning outcome and the formation of new social groups consisting of different nationalities and religions.