How do games create meaningful learning experiences? This session explores how interactivity, the core of gameplay, drives engagement and language acquisition. We will define games in ELT, break down the anatomy of interactivity, and provide a checklist to evaluate game quality. Through three examples and insights from neuroscience, we’ll see why games are the ultimate communicative activity in the English classroom.

Key game design principles for ELT 

  • How neuroscience explains motivation, memory and learning 
  • Practical strategies for giving clear and effective instructions 
  • How to evaluate whether a game truly supports learning 

Downloadable certificate upon completion 

About the speaker: 
Daniela Tovar is the Senior Product Developer for Elementary at University of Dayton Publishing. With 15 years of experience in ELT as a teacher, author and editor of print and digital materials, she is passionate about play and games for learning. An ELTON Award winner, she has presented at MEXTESOL and BBELT.