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| by
Shoko
Hamano
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Wakana
Kikuchi
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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Aug 04, 2009 by World Languages Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
Visualizing Japanese Grammar is an extensive tutorial site created by Professor Shoko Hamano at George Washington University with illustration work by Wakana Kikuchi and partly funded by Japan Foundation. This site offers 66 units of various grammatical structures ranging from basics such as “counters”, to advanced units such as “adversity passive” in flash files with audio explanation in English and 12 Powerpoint downloadable appendices. Each unit consists of 5-10 minutes of presentations depending on the topic. It has a reference to a different chapter if previous knowledge is necessary. It also provides a list of vocabulary and quizzes created with Quia.
Through the 66 Flash animations, this material introduces users to Japanese grammar, covering such basic topics as word order, adjectives, particles, spatial relations, and the aforementioned counters. Topics also range to more complex grammar principles, including honorifics, requests and commands, transitive/intransitive verbs, passive, and adversity passive. A voice narrates the presentations, offering explanations in English (with example sentences in Japanese), with notes appearing on the left side of the screen to reinforce spoken instruction. The lively animations on the right side of the screen illustrate the grammar principles, displaying kanji and hiragana (with some furigana). As long as Flash is installed, the animations should appear in a browser, and could be projected in a classroom setting. Vocabulary lists are available for each animation, and short self-quizzes are also included. |
| Learning Goals: |
Learners will be able to exhibit an appreciation of grammar structures and to develop vocabulary to enhance their listening and reading skills through examples in the target language. |
| Target Student Population: |
Undergraduates or Graduates with basic knowledge of Japanese language. With a careful selection of topics, this site can be used for beginning learners, but it is best suited for learners with some Japanese grammar and vocabulary background. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
One semester of introductory Japanese. Must be able to read Hiragana and Katakana to be able to read the examples. |
| Type of Material: |
• Animation/Tutorial
• Drill and Practice (Quizzes included) |
| Recommended Uses: |
Reference material or study-aid for beginning and intermediate learners. Self study and reference materials for advanced learners. The module could be used as preparatory material – students would review it before coming to class The module could also be used as review material – students use it after having the grammar principles presented in class. |
| Technical Requirements: |
• Worked well in Firefox 3.0.12
• Flash player installation required |
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| Strengths: |
This material covers each grammar principle thoroughly, offering numerous examples of each principle. Animated segments provide visual stimulation, as do the notes, which appear on the left side of the screen to underscore audio explanations. The animation is lively, catches user attention and interest, and would be appropriate for a wide range of age groups. The PowerPoint slideshows,an excellent feature in Visualizing Japanese Grammar, may be downloaded.The site covers most of the grammar structures introduced in the Intermediate level textbooks (requiring 2-3 years of studying Japanese) very thoroughly with many contextualized examples. |
| Concerns: |
Each unit covers many topics relating to grammar structure and might be a little overwhelming for a beginning learner. Though vocabulary lists are provided, no romaji is given for the Japanese portions. Students should be familiar with hiragana in order to read the vocabulary lists and the sample sentences given onscreen. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
It is an excellent resource that would add value to the study of Japanese grammar through engaging graphics, informative text, and helpful audio explanations. The use of animation, color change in the key words, well thought out timing of the text and images coming out on slides along side the audio narration has made the structure of Japanese grammar more readily accessible to learners. The transcript of the narration in English also helps to appeal to many leaning styles. All kanji in the text has furigana (Japanese reading aid, consisting of smaller kana printed next to kanji ) , which keeps learners from getting distracted. The quiz formats provide immediate feedback and learners are allowed to see the correct answers if they are not sure. This site can be readily integrated into Japanese language curriculum, replacing the grammar portion of a textbook. It can also be reference material for other textbooks, with careful selection of units by the instructor, as it provides the flexibility of moving among units according to a specific grammar structure. |
| Concerns: |
The quiz portion is just enough to check grammar comprehension. It would be beneficial for learners to have more quizzes, as well as various types of questions, as a part of the complete tutorial. Though there is a quiz for each lesson, there is little interactivity. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
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| Strengths: |
It is very easy to navigate this site. The “Before you begin” section provides clear instruction on the usage of the site as well as information on plug-ins (Flash player). The flash file part is very intuitive, allowing learners to pause , go back, or forward the presentation. Most of them download quickly.
The animations in this material begin with more basic grammar constructs, and work progressively through to more complex principles. Students may utilize lessons that match their level of grammar comprehension. The animations, created with Camtasia, are of high quality. Combined with the thorough audio explanations, the animations quickly engage users’ attention by providing clear examples in text and graphic formats. |
| Concerns: |
At times, the audio volume level changes slightly from one unit to the other and within the unit.Except for short unit quizzes, the modules lack interactivity. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
none |
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