Language learning playware: a ‘playful learning’ approach to ELT materials development

This article opens a window on 'playful learning' as a philosophy of (language) education and a suite of diverse tools, techniques and tactics. The paper's innovation and contribution lie in the novel, holistic conceptualization and operationalization of playful learning as a rigorous ideology and coherent methodology in language learning and teaching. It offers new insights into a playful learning approach to English language teaching (ELT) materials development. The nomenclature, 'playware' is put forth in the paper to discuss the far-reaching dimensions of developing playful language learning materials. This discussion is principally anchored in (a) a feature-based, pedagogical account of play, (b) major teaching paradigms in ELT and (c) the current and prospective developments in educational technology and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL). To safeguard and facilitate the development and implementation of ELT playware, 'signature pedagogy' and several instructional designs are also put forward. Reference is similarly made to practical examples and platforms to create ELT playware. The article also highlights the notion of 'intelligent play' (iplay) to capture the evolving, technological nature of playful materials. It also touches upon context-dependent, practical aspects of a playful approach to ELT materials development.