Languages and Cultures

Research Interests

• Game-based Learning
• Mobile-Assisted Language Learning
• Computer Assisted Language Learning
• Second Language Acquisition
• Arabic Language Teaching
• Effective Implementation of Educational Technology

Publications

• Amer, M. (Accepted). Game-based learning in the LCTL classroom: Insights from Teachers in Training using Game-based learning. Proposal for a book chapter for the Special Issue 2026 Advances in CALL Research and Practice: Game-based Approaches to CALL. Equinox (Publisher of the CALICO Journal)
• Amer, M. (2024). YouGlish: Search for Video Clips in Context! FLTMAG (IALLT (International Association for Language Learning Technology. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.69732/WGGR8986
• Amer, M. (in progress). The most important 500 roots/stems in understanding media stories in Arabic: a corpus analysis of a prominent newspaper in Jordan. Perspectives on Arabic Linguistics
• Amer, M., Cabrera-Pusche, M. (2022). Assessment Without Borders: Modernizing Placement Tests for Diverse Contexts, In Technology-Assisted Language Assessment in Diverse Contexts, Edited Book, Karim Sadeghi, Lessons from the Transition to Online Testing during COVID-19 (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003221463
• Amer, M. (2021). Exploring tutoring and learning gains for learners of Arabic. Second Language Research & Practice, 2(1), 81–98. https://doi.org/10125/69859.
• Amer, M. (2021). Review of the Book Recent tools for computer- and mobile-assisted foreign language learning, by A. Andujar, (Ed.) CALICO Journal, 38, 2, (pps. 250-254) https://doi.org/10.1558/cj.41056
• Amer, M. (2020). Language Learning Difficulties Reported by Beginner-Level Learners of Arabic Using Online Tools. Journal of Advances in Linguistics, 11, (pps. 19-35) https://doi.org/10.24297/jal.v11i.8654
• Amer. M. (2014). A study of learners’ usage of a mobile learning application for learning idioms and collocations. CALICO Journal, 31(3), p-p 285-302. doi: 10.11139/cj.31.3.285-302

Active Software & Digital Media Projects

• [2022-Present] Designer and developer of Prezant, an attendance tracking software.
• [2022-Present] Designer and developer of Vocabee (vocabee.org), a game-based learning platform to promote engagement in the language classroom
• [2011-Present] Designer and developer of Kalimat, a software package for learning Arabic featuring interactive vocabulary and grammatical lessons, video excerpts of Arabic spoken by native speakers, listening comprehension essays, and a full English- Arabic dictionary.
• [2017- 2023] Developer of uAdvise, a n application designed to help faculty provide accurate and updated advising and degree progress reports for their advisees.
• [2014-Present] Developer of Wx: From Word to D2L. This computer program provides important features similar to those found in the commercially produced program, RESPONDUS®. It transforms existing word exams into D2L interactive formats.

International Conference Presentations

• Amer, M. (2024). Games that Promote Collaboration and Engagement in World Languages, paper accepted for presentation at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
• Amer, M. (2024). Gamification and Teaching Language for Specific Purposes. Paper presented at the 7th International Symposium on Languages for Specific Purposes & Centers for International Business education & Research Business Language Conference. George Washington University, DC.
• Amer, M. (2024). It is Game Time! Come and Discover the Joy of Learning and Teaching with Games (workshop). Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Amer, M. (2024). Competitive Collaborative Games: Project-Based Learning through Gamification. Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Amer. M. (2023). Vocabulary Learning with Vocabee. International Association for Language Learning Technology (IALLT), New Orleans, LO. [Selected as a Finalist for the Henderson Plenary Award]
• Amer. M. (2023). Gamified Learning: Integrating Modern Gaming Design in the Classroom PASSHE Conference on Teaching and Learning - Hosted by Slippery Rock University.
• Amer. M. (2023). Gamified Learning: Integrating Modern Gaming Design in the Classroom. Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Minnesota, Washington.
• Amer. M. (2022). Busy Bees: Making Vocabulary Learning Fun and Engaging using Vocabee. ACTFL, Boston, MA. (November 2022)
• Amer. M. (2022). Games without Borders. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Seattle, Washington. (June 2022)
• Amer, M. (2020). Digital Story-Telling and Mobile Games for Language Classroom. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Seattle, Washington.
• Amer, M. (2019). Fun Meaningful Games in the Class. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Montreal- Québec, Canada.
• Amer, M. (2018). Emphasizing the Role of Ownership in Preparing Language Teachers to Use Technology. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), University of Illinois UC.
• Amer, M. (2017). An Analysis of Students’ Use of Strategies and Digital Tools while Learning Arabic. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), University of Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ.
• Amer, M. (2016). Arabic Corpora: The Intersection of Technology and Pedagogy. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
• Amer, M. (2015). The most important 500 roots/stems in Understanding Media Stories in Arabic: A corpus analysis of a prominent newspaper in Jordan. ACTFL, San Diego, CA
• Amer, M. (2015). Capturing students’ behavior online in language learning environments: Guidelines for respecting students’ privacy. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Denver, CO.
• Amer, M. (2013). The use of supplementary online material online for learning Arabic. A presentation presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Dallas, TX.
• Amer, M. (2012). Using online material for teaching Arabic. A presentation presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic (AATA), Denver, Co.
• Amer, M. (2011). Revisiting existing technology: What PowerPoint can do to help teach reading skills for ELLs. A presentation selected as Best of Affiliates to be presented at the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) annual convention in New Orleans, LA.
• Amer, M. (2011). Next iPhone update: Install the findings of theory and research in the field of language learning. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Chicago, IL.

Regional Conferences

• Amer, M. (2025). Let's play! Promoting Collaboration and Engagement in Languages with Games. Northeast Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL), NYC, NY.
• Amer, M. (2023). Gamified Learning: Integrating Modern Gaming Design in the Classroom. PSMLA, PA.
• Amer, M. (2023). Vocabee. NECTFL, New York, NY.
• Amer, M. (2014). The International TESOL convention: Insights from the past and guidelines for the future. Penn TESOL East, Arcadia University, PA.

Lectures and Training Workshops

• [2024-Summer] Invited to give a presentation on game-based learning for language professionals at the Modern Language Center, Amman, Jordan [INVITED]
• [2023- Fall] Invited to give a presentation on gamification at Tulane University, New Orleans [INVITED]
• [2023-Summer] Integrating Modern Gaming Design in the Language Classroom, The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Minneapolis, Minnesota.
• [2023-spring] Showcase Excellence Presentation ODLI (Learning with Vocabee)
• [2022-fall] Gamified Vocabulary Learning in the Age of a Mobile Saturated World [INVITED] at the Chester County Intermediate Unit)
• [2022-fall] Engaging Students Using Vocabulary Games (workshop)
• [2022-spring] Using Zoom to promote engagement in in-person classes.
• [2022-spring] Showcase Excellence Presentation ODLI (Interactive Student-Created Quizzes)
• [2020] Designing Stories for Mobile Devices in the Language Classroom, Games (Workshop). The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), Seattle, Washington
• [2018] Creating Mobile Language Learning Apps, University of Minnesota-Duluth [INVITED]
• [2018] Creating Engaging Language Learning Games (Workshop). The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), University of Illinois UC.
• [2017] Creating Engaging Language Learning Games. The Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium (CALICO), University of Arizona, Flagstaff, AZ.

Undergraduate Courses

• ARB101-ARB302 (All courses in the Arabic Language Sequence)
• ARB420: Topics in Arabic Language and Literature
• EAR309: Arabic Culture and Civilization
• LAN382: Teaching English Language Learners
• LAN100: Language and the Human Experience
• LAN150: Lovely Accents: The World’s Vocal Tapestry
• EDT349: Technology Tools to Transform Learning and Teaching

Graduate Courses

• LAN555: Computer Applications for Language Learning
• LAN583: Second Language Acquisition

 

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