From APEC HRDWG Wiki
E-learning refers to a new type of educational instruction in which the student utilizes online resources to gain knowledge without direct interaction with a teacher. Representatives of the APEC economies discussed e-learning in the 2006 Symposium on Open Source and Open Course for E-learning, held in Hanoi, Viet Nam. This innovative technology has many uses, including learning other languages, and can be a beneficial pedagogical tool.
The following table contains samples of e-language learning programs relevant to APEC Members.
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Economy-Specific Programs
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Australia
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Curriculum Materials - Languages. Online resources for children learning Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian languages, based on scenarios and games. Part of the National Asian Languages and Studies in Australian Schools Strategy to enhance understanding of key Asian languages and cultures.
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China
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Chengo.
Tool based on an interactive, game-based environment, designed to assist Chinese and American students aged 12-18 in learning each other's languages.
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Hanban - Online Learning. Several online resources from the Office of Chinese Language Council International, including lesson programs and games for a variety of learners.
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Chinese Taipei
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Global Chinese Language and Culture. Site from Taipei with online instruction in Chinese, Taiwanese, and Hakka languages, with links to other e-learning projects.
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New Zealand
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Enhancing the English Curriculum. Details achievement objectives under the New Zealand National Curriculum English Learning Area. Explores each objective at grades 2, 4, 6, and 8 further by linking to important facts about it and examples of the goal’s practical application in both instruction and assessment.
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Singapore
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IR On-line. Singaporean collaboration between teachers and technology specialists in the Ministry of Education. Contains links to interactive, web-based tools for learning a number of subjects broken down by educational level. Includes many Chinese resources and a few English, as well as Malay and Tamil.
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English Programs
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British Council – LearnEnglish
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Contains links to numerous activities, games, and other tools for acquiring English skills, with sections for children, adults, and professionals.
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Open Language Learning Initiative
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Game-based learning system designed to introduce American English and culture to middle school Chinese students. Developed by Coastline Community College as an open source, leaving it adaptable to the many needs of diverse students. In production and expected to be released early 2009.
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Virtual Language Center
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Collection of English learning tools and resources developed for college-level students. Created by National Taiwan Normal University.
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| Chinese Programs
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| Conversational Mandarin Chinese Online
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15 Unit course of study in basic conversational skills. Items written in Chinese characters and pinyin with available audio. Includes practice sections at end of each unit.
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| Mandarin Chinese: Vocabulary Guide
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Guide to common Mandarin words presented through illustrations with available audio.
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MDBG
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Free Chinese-English dictionary, along with translation tools, links, and assistance with learning Chinese characters.
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| Zon
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Multi-player, web-based game that allows the player to interact with others while exploring a virtual world and learning Chinese language and culture.
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Korean Programs
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Pathway to Korean
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Online course designed to teach beginners spoken Korean in three units with ten lessons each. Developed by the Ohio State University's National East Asian Languages Resource Center.
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