10th International Congress on Information and Communication Technology

Authors - Nelly Galora-Moya, Paola Ramos-Medina, Elsa Hernandez-Cherrez, Javier Sánchez-Guerrero
Abstract - This study analyzes the necessity and impact of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses on B1+ level students, integrating gamification as an innovative approach through the use of the Duolingo platform. Surveys were ad-ministered to students and faculty members from various departments to gather their perceptions on the relevance and feasibility of gamified ESP courses. Additionally, a preliminary diagnostic test was conducted to assess technical vocabulary knowledge in a gamified environment. The results show a general consensus on the importance of ESP courses, highlighting Duolingo as an effective tool for personalizing learning and enhancing linguistic competencies in specific contexts. Significant gaps in students' linguistic skills were also identified, justifying the incorporation of this methodology. The paper proposes a collaborative program between the faculties of the Technical University of Ambato (UTA) and the Language Center, with Duolingo playing a central role in designing a gamified curriculum to bridge the gap between academic English and the specialized skills required in professional settings. This approach not only improves academic performance but also equips graduates with the linguistic skills necessary to compete in the global job market. Gamification, by combining motivation and interactivity, fosters autonomous and collaborative learning. This work contributes to the current debate on the use of technology in ESP teaching, emphasizing gamification as a key strategy for personalizing learning. Future research should assess the longitudinal impact of gamified platforms like Duo-lingo on academic performance and graduates’ career trajectories.