Digitising Workplace Social Practices

The WorkdPlays learning tool simulates the physical layout, activities, and situations of the workplace. Players move through different locations, completing mini-games that train specific tasks and procedures. The familiarity and relevance of the scenarios create motivated learning based on play and trial-and-error.

Language learning is seamlessly integrated into problem-solving, so performing various tasks and actions involves active language use. This approach combines professional job training with language instruction in a game environment, creating strong learning potential.

Read more about the research foundation behind the development of the WorkdPlays tools here

Vocabulary and Practice

WorkdPlays is specifically designed to build vocabulary and develop understanding of instructions and basic everyday communication. The content is based on:

• Workplace situations and tasks, such as those in the canteen, changing rooms, laundry, slaughterhouse, or cleaning services

• Instructions, images, and symbols from real work situations

• Everyday accidents, problems, and solutions

• Workplace culture and norms

Players create their own avatar and move through different departments of the workplace. As the game is aimed at individuals with limited reading skills, it emphasises oral communication over text, and all in-game content is supported with audio, images, and text.