A Pilot Study: Comparing the Use of Computer-Based Instruction Materials and Audio-Tape Materials in Practicing Chinese

Authors

Ka-Fai Shiu
Sharon E. Smaldino, University of Northern IowaFollow

Comments

ERIC Document - ED362204 found in the ERIC Database

Document Type

Report

Keywords

Academic Achievement; Audiotape Recordings; College Students; Comparative Analysis; Computer Assisted Instruction; Higher Education; Hypermedia; Instructional Effectiveness; Instructional Material Evaluation; Intermode Differences; Mandarin Chinese; Pilot Projects; Second Language Instruction; Second Language Learning

Abstract

Computer-based and audio tape materials were compared for their effectiveness in helping students practice Chinese language lessons. Subjects were enrolled in an intensive elementary course in Mandarin Chinese. The textbook and audio tape were prepared by the Beijing Language Institute in China; and the computer-based material was developed by the author using HyperCard based on the textbook. Written and spoken components were tested; using tests developed by the instructor; a native of China. The instructional materials were used alternately in the 16-week course at the University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls). Students performed better in the weeks the computer-based materials were used; although in some areas the two instructional tools do not show noticeable differences. For example; computer-based materials do not show any advantage in helping with listening comprehension. Performance in writing Chinese characters was enhanced by computer use; and students preferred it to the audiotape. The study demonstrates that it is possible to use computer assisted instruction to teach non-alphabetic languages. (SLD)

Department

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Original Publication Date

1993

Object Description

1 PDF file (4 pages)

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright

©1993 Ka-fai Shiu and Sharon E. Smaldino

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Shiu, Ka-Fai and Smaldino, Sharon E., "A Pilot Study: Comparing the Use of Computer-Based Instruction Materials and Audio-Tape Materials in Practicing Chinese" (1993). Faculty Publications. 5568.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/5568