Informed by lived experience of Deaf adults and the paediatric audiology habilitation research literature, Talk Town contains the following learning objectives:

reduce internalised stigma regarding hearing difference
improve self-advocacy skills
identify environmental communication barriers
utilise assertive communication styles
utilise effective conversation repair strategies
utilise appropriate social pragmatic skills.

The reading level and subject matter of Talk Town are intended for players with developmental ages of approximately 10 – 16 years. The learning objectives and in-game play of Talk Town support four of the five key competencies spanning the New Zealand Curriculum.

1. Using language, symbols and text: Talk Town models using several forms of language to support shared understanding including New Zealand Sign Language, spoken English, and written English. DHH youth can also benefit from explicit instruction in social pragmatics such as is found within Talk Town.

2. Managing self: Talk Town promotes self-efficacy in managing social situations and communication breakdowns.

3. Relating to others & 4. Participating and contributing: Talk Town help players understand non-playable-characters’ (NPC’s) reactions to different communication choices.

Within the curriculum theme of Health and Physical Education, the learning objectives of Talk Town support A4 Personal Identity, C1 Relationships, C2, Identity, Sensitivity and Respect, and C3 Interpersonal Skills.

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