Chinese Character Flashcards is a module in the Mandarin Tools Web site. It is a Java applet with the 1,000 most frequently used characters. Users can choose the difficulty level from a table. They can also choose to display characters in traditional or simplified form. Each character is provided with the number of strokes, Mandarin and Cantonese pronunciation, and English translation.
Recommended Uses:
Students/teachers who are interested in learning/teaching characters can use this module to supplement class work and to expand vocabulary. Independent learners can also use it to improve character reading and writing
Technical Requirements:
This applet is best used with Netscape 3.01 or above and later versions of Explorer
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Self-tutoring of Chinese characters
Target Student Population:
Chinese language/character learners at all levels
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic knowledge of pinyin, Chinese tones, and character strokes
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a very efficient character-learning module that meets the needs of learners at various levels of proficiency. It is also useful as an independent study tool for users who are familiar with the Chinese tone system in pinyin (for the Mandarin pronunciation)and the Yale system of Romanization (for the Cantonese pronunciation. Learners can also strengthen their vocabulary through the English translation of each character.
Concerns:
This module can be enhanced by including audio for the pronunciation, stroke order for each character, and examples of characters used in words and phrases.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a very useful module for instructors and students of Chinese language to integrate into their character teaching and learning. The character table is divided into ten levels, with 100 characters in each level. The levels go from 1 (most commonly used characters) to 10 (least commonly used characters). In addition, users can search characters by index number (from 0 to 999). The pronunciation, strokes, and English translation can be optionally shown or hidden, which is particularly useful for self-test.
Concerns:
The number of characters may not be sufficient for instructors/students at the advanced level.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The step-by-step instructions are clear, and the characters are legible. There are user-friendly buttons for selecting the previous or next character, or for selecting a character randomly. Drop-down menus allow the choice of traditional or simplified characters.
Concerns:
Users cannot access the module directly, but only through the On-line Chinese Tools home page. The Delayed Show option is not working. Also, adding some colors and images would make this module more engaging and appealing to users.
Creative Commons:
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