Rutgers Multimedia Chinese Teaching System (RMCTS)

1. Rutgers Multimedia Chinese Teaching System (RMCTS) MERLOT International Conference, August 7-10, 2008

2. RMCTS • A comprehensive computer based multimedia curriculum covering all levels Chinese • Ching-I Tu spearheaded the development of RMCTS in 1986 • Many members at Rutgers University contributed to the site over the past 20 years

3. Funding History • September 1986 – 1st Grant from Department of Higher Education of the State of New Jersey –Rutgers Chinese Tutoring System (RCTS) • September 1987 – 2nd Grant from the Department of Higher Education of the State of New Jersey • July 1997 – Grant from the U.S. Department of Education (1st and 2nd year Chinese) • Other supports from Rutgers University and private sources

4. Goals • To provide a platform that allows Anytime Anywhere Chinese learning • To allow substantial practice in Chinese reading, listening and comprehensive drills in grammar and vocabulary • To make it possible for other institutions to integrate into their own instructional programs as instructional materials, exercises or tests.

5. Content Characteristics • Cover all levels Chinese learning • Integrate the linguistics, cultural and social information • Use both traditional and simplified Chinese characters to accommodate learners of different backgrounds • Include Pinyin transcription to assist with pronunciations • Add English translations to facilitate comprehension if needed

6. Technological Characteristics • An user friendly online authoring system • Provide audio recording and allow students self recording to improve pronunciation • Include various instructional activities to enhance awareness of the target language grammar and culture • Use natural conversation rich in cultural and social contexts to train ability to produce contextually and culturally appropriate sentences

7. Lesson Focus • 1st year – language learner in an English environment within a university setting – immediate relevancy • 2nd year – travel to China and study the language in a Chinese setting – prepare for an authentic environment • 3rd year – on how foreign students adapt to life in a Chinese environment – culture understanding • 4th year – lessons focus on more enduring features of Chinese life and culture – in-depth understanding and critiques

8. RMCTS website Demo RMCTS http://chinese.rutgers.edu/index.htm Digiclass@Rutgers.com http://fas-digiclass.rutgers.edu/page.jsp?cat=RMCTS1-21&dept=Chinese&side=practice

9. Future Challenges and Issues • Seek funding • Update technological features • Keep Language “alive”

10. Thank You!