Costello

Abstract

This software was designed by a native teacher of English working in Japan, for the benefit of EFL students in Japan and other Asian countries. Costello is a text-intensive activity suitable for Intermediate and Advanced learners of English. Student interaction with the world of Costello stimulates deductive reasoning, inferring meaning and problem-solving. It is an online role-playing game designed for university students. It was based upon other MUD (Multi-User Domain) games and adapted to fit a certain need of the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning community. The designer claims that Costello helps users apply their English reading comprehension skills, as well as develop their basic writing ability. Players are required to read and respond to instructions and guidance, use English commands to operate the game, and interact with other players. Teachers can incorporate the game in their lessons either as a continuous activity or as a challenging activity for proficient students of English. There are four environments to this courseware, (a) the teacher's area, (b) the students' gaming environment, (c) the homework report, and (d) the builder areas. These four distinct areas complement each other to stimulate either writing exercises or reading comprehension activities. Administrators (teachers) are provided with a full set of tools to keep track of students' performance and provide technical support.