Using Multimedia to Enrich the Chinese Language Learning Experience of Beginners

Abstract

Based on our observation, we have learned that although smaller classes offering more communication opportunities, there is not enough time to teach grammar and simplified Chinese characters in class, because the amount of class time is insufficient and students reside in a non-target language learning environment. In order to help students establish a solid foundation in syntax and lexicon, enhance self-access language learning environment, as well as enrich their educational experience of virtual learning, two e-learning coursewares were created in the past two years. This paper attempts to analyze how the technical tools have motivated beginners for active and self-directed learning, helped the in-class teaching more efficient, and enriched the learning environment through investigating the implementation of two online courses offered for the beginners taking Chinese (Mandarin) as a second language course at the University of Hong Kong. This investigation is based on the online vocabulary and grammar courses and online Chinese character course offered in 2019-20 and the first semester of 2020-21 respectively. Regarding the online vocabulary and grammar courses, the teacher used Camtasia and Panopto to make all the video clips illustrating the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. An online Chinese character course based on 150 characters that beginners must master was created. Two video clips for each Chinese character were made. In the first video, the students found the Chinese character with the Chinese pronunciation, the English meaning and listened to a description of the character. In another video clip, the students saw the teacher writing the Chinese characters. According to the statistics, this paper finds that: (1) the successful application and implementation of the e-learning components depend on the language learners’ needs; (2) the e-learning components can enhance the students’ engagement; (3) e-learning helps the in-class teaching more efficient; and (4) the online courses have enriched the educational experience of virtual learning under the pandemic.