EUROCALL-XRGBLL SIG

The EuroCALL Extended Reality and Game-Based Learning Special Interest Group (EuroCALL-XRGBLL SIG) represents the evolution of the joint EUROCALL/CALICO Virtual Worlds Special Interest Group (SIG), which was founded in 2009 by Graham Davies, Randall Sadler, and Thom Thibeault. Since its inception, the SIG has consistently convened annually, adapting to advancements in technology and research.

The EUROCALL-XRGBLL SIG is open to practitioners and researchers curious about and invested in the exploration of either one of two often interconnected domains within the landscape of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) research. 

This Special Interest Group aims to bring together colleagues working with language teaching and learning in Extended Reality (XR) and/or with Game-Based Language Learning (GBLL). We recognise the frequent intersections and reciprocal influences between these two areas and aspire to serve as a dedicated platform for discourse, knowledge dissemination, collaborative initiatives, and mutual support within the areas of XR for language teaching and learning, as well as GBL for language teaching and learning. 

The EUROCALL-XRGBLL SIG defines XR as an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of immersive technologies that extend or enhance our reality. These include Virtual Reality (VR) environments characterised by varying degrees of immersion, Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). Enthusiasts and practitioners are encouraged to partake in this scholarly community, sharing their experiences and contributing to the collective knowledge base in the dynamic fields of XR and GBLL applied to language education.

Dr Susanna Nocchi (Technological University Dublin) and Bart Pardoel (Fontys University of Applied Sciences Teacher Education & Nuenens College Secondary School) are currently co-chairing the SIG. 

For more information, visit our website at https://sites.google.com/view/eurocall-xrgbll and/or contact us at XR.GBLL.SIG@gmail.com