Isara Kongmee
ThailandTESOL and Naresuan University
About
Dr. Isara Kongmee is an accomplished academic with extensive experience in both computer engineering and English language education. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and Information Sciences from Northumbria University, UK (2015), a Master's degree in English as an International Language from the University of Melbourne, Australia (2005), and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Kasetsart University, Thailand (2002). Currently serving as a faculty member at Naresuan University since 2008, Dr. Kongmee also holds leadership positions in Thailand TESOL, where he serves as the Northern Region Lower Committee Chairman and Webmaster (2021-present). His unique combination of technical expertise and language education background has enabled him to conduct innovative research across multiple disciplines.Sessions
All Levels Gaming Your Way to Reading: MMORPG as an Extensive Reading Platform for ESL Digital Natives more
While digital reading materials are increasingly available, engaging ESL learners in extensive reading remains challenging in the digital age. This presentation explores how Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) can serve as an innovative platform for extensive reading practice, aligning with fundamental extensive reading principles of free choice and learner autonomy. Drawing from a year-long study integrating commercial MMORPGs into ESL learning, this session demonstrates how game narratives (quest descriptions, character dialogues), in-game texts, and player interactions provide authentic, self-selected reading materials across multiple proficiency levels. The research reveals that ESL participants showed increased reading engagement and vocabulary retention when given ownership of their reading choices within the gaming environment. Beginner learners benefited from short quest descriptions, while advanced learners engaged with complex game lore and player-generated content. Practical guidelines for implementing game-based extensive reading programs will be shared.