GAME land main goal is to advance (or enhance) Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) teaching in Higher Education, aligning student competencies with the demands of the international labour market. Specifically: Develop a model of increasing language competences (including specialist and soft skills). Promote new innovative educational practices, including in particular the use of the latest technological advances (e.g., Mobile Learning and Game-Based Learning). Develop and make available an attractive, intuitive, multilingual, and engaging tool (the "GAMEland" serious game), which will be accessible without restrictions free of charge due to, among others, age, place of residence, wealth, or education.
GAMEland paimed to modernise and enhance Language for Specific Purposes (LSP) teaching in HEIs to better align graduates’ skills with the European labour market. It addresses the dual challenge of preparing students for international employment by developing both specialist language competences and essential soft skills. The project responded to key needs identified through research and consultations with HR professionals: Lack of specialisation: existing digital language applications focus on general language, neglecting the crucial specialist vocabulary and real-life professional scenarios (LSP). Students also reported a high number of hours dedicated to general language versus specialist language. Pedagogical disconnect: language curricula pay insufficient attention to learners ‘specific needs, and teachers reported a lack of awareness regarding current labour market requirements. Soft skill deficit: HR departments indicated that young graduates struggle in international, multicultural teams. To overcome these limitations, the project proposed an innovative, inclusive learning tool, a serious game, applying Mobile Learning and Game-Based Learning methodologies, which integrats practical, job-relevant language teaching.