About Startalk E-SCAPE

OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE is a game-based, free, fully online experience for 11th-16th grade students that sparks interest in critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian and Russian. Using two main components, OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE builds excitement about these languages and related careers. The core of the program is a set of three virtual escape rooms, which contain engaging puzzles, riddles and challenges that teach language curriculum in a playful way. Accompanying the escape rooms is a resource toolkit that enables educators to redesign escape rooms, integrate content into existing coursework, and access insightful videos from language experts. Through this immersive approach, OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE cultivates an environment where students can freely dive into the world of language learning and careers.

Gamified learning experiences have proven to be powerful catalysts for learning. Using the ThingLink digital platform, the escape rooms provide students with thematic and storytelling-based modules with a clear focus for success – like solving a puzzle to prevent a problem. These interactive elements combine curriculum with strategic thinking and hands-on gameplay to reinforce learning. The virtual experiences also encourage students to visualize their potential to thrive in a language-based career.

With the open resource toolkit, educators, faculty members and schools can foster student development by incorporating content in diverse ways. Abundant virtual resources open endless possibilities for educators to redesign the escape rooms and create fresh experiences. Videos of industry professionals, included in the toolkit, also give educators a chance to share guidance from experts in the field. The versatile resources empower educators to help students develop a passion for these important languages.

Through this combined approach, OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE cultivates an environment where students can freely dive into the world of critical languages and related careers. Students can explore this high-demand skill, as well as strengthen intercultural competencies that are vital in an interconnected world.

“We want students to have every opportunity to see what this exciting field has to offer,” says Angela Gunder, Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Learning at the Online Learning Consortium. “We hope educators take full advantage of the robust language learning ecosystem we’ve developed through OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE.”