The E-SCAPE Project

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 teacher resource library 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.

E-SCAPE ROOMS

Game-based experiences have proven to be powerful catalysts for learning. Escape rooms in particular have grown in popularity in recent years, being a prime choice for entertainment. This presents a strong opportunity to leverage these puzzles for learning experiences that are both entertaining and educational.

TEACHER RESOURCE LIBRARY

To foster student development, educators, faculty members and schools can access abundant virtual resources through a versatile open teacher resource library. Educators can use this wealth of content to customize the curriculum in diverse ways. This includes the option to redesign the escape rooms, presenting endless possibilities for fresh experiences.

INSIGHTS

Check out a short series of insightful videos from language experts who use these critical languages in their daily work. Educators can integrate these videos into the program curriculum to enlighten students on the career possibilities available to them.

About the Project

Funded by the National Security Agency’s STARTALK program, OLC STARTALK E-SCAPE makes it fun to learn critical languages and explore related careers. The core of the program is a set of three virtual escape rooms. These rooms contain engaging puzzles, riddles and challenges that teach curriculum through adventures and gameplay.