A research team at National Taiwan Normal University has launched several online classroom projects, targeting learners of Chinese as a foreign language.
Using online multimedia platforms such as Wiki, JoinNet and Second Life, the university’s Cool Chinese team hopes to provide fun and effective learning experiences for Chinese learners, NTNU said.
“With the help of online learning platforms and novel teaching strategies, we hope to build a brand for online Chinese learning,” said Tsai Ya-hsun, head of NTNU’s Department of Applied Chinese Language and Literature, at a March 8 news conference.
“The Wiki Chinese website currently features 47 videos, each depicting an everyday life scenario with useful conversation and communication tips,” said Lan Yu-ju, an assistant professor involved in the project.
Subjects covered in the videos include cultural differences, common expressions and social etiquette in Taiwan, Lan said, adding that learners will be encouraged in the future to contribute their thoughts on learning by uploading videos.
The JoinNet-based learning environment, also run by the team, enables video chatting and text sharing among multiple users simultaneously, she said.
In addition, the virtual classroom on Second Life offers venues such as airports, schools and movie theaters, where learners can get familiar with language use by interacting with other users, Lan added.
Some universities in Europe and the U.S. have already shown an interest in using the platforms in their Chinese language courses, she said.
For a free learning experience, visit the NTNU Wiki Chinese website at http://wikichinese.ice.ntnu.edu.tw. (HZW)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw