Second Language Learning Process

Second language learning is highly important in every society from early ages by the virtue of globalization. At the target level of success in foreign language (FL) learning, methods, techniques and materials play a vital role. In line with the technological developments and the effects of globalization, teaching-learning process has changed a lot. In the past, learners were passive and everything was under the control of teachers but today teachers are just guides and learners play active role during the teaching-learning process (Sugar, 1998, p.3). Considering the changes in language learning, games are practical tools that enable interaction, learning and positive learning environment. As Martinson and Chu (2008) mentions that “games offer

Although games has been physically made for years as camel-dwarf, day-night or chinese whispers, they have begun to change as digital or online games played on computers and smartphones nowadays. Playing online computer games catches on with young people in this era. (Chik, 2012)

According to the research conducted in 2012 by Intel, 71.4 percent of the young people’s homes have computer and the longest-term action of young people on the internet is playing online computer games with an average of 42.7 minutes. In the light of this research, it is indispensable to investigate the impact of an area where young learners are so active on language learning. The potential of playing online computer games in young learners’ language learning in terms of vocabulary knowledge and willingness to communicate is the foci point of this study. In this sense, these research questions are emerged:

1- What is the role of playing online computer games in young learners’ language learning?

2- What are the young learners’ experiences of English language learning while playing online computer games?

3- What is the impact of online computer games on their vocabulary knowledge and willingness to

While the online computer games played as a team supports willingness to communicate and use of daily language, adventure computer games played individually supports improving the vocabulary knowledge of the young learners. Counter Strike and Battle Field are notable examples for online team games. These games provide players with opportunity to chat online as a vital contribution in language learning process (Andiç, 2008). Additionally, Baltra (1990) points out the positive impact of adventure computer games are designed lika a puzzle beacuse they include hidden information and players are supposed to find out the information step by step. Learners know that the new information is neccessary for the progression of the game and so they focus on each word. This matter is highly important for motivation and improving vocabulary knowledge (Malone,1981). There is a notable increasing in the number of teachers who have positive attitude towards the use of online computer games in recent years (Whelan,