Jump to content
Chinese-Forums
  • Sign Up

New character training software (please test)


minismurf

Recommended Posts

http://gongames.scandweb.se/index.php?option=com_docman&task=docclick&Itemid=45&bid=7&limitstart=0&limit=5

I wrote a simple program for character training under Windows.

This test version contains 300 characters, and you have to write the meaning of the characters. Writing 3 letters of the correct answer is enough [so for example, for (possessive particle) it is enough to write "poss" or "part". as long as you don't intentionally cheat, I think the increases the speed in learning and helps root the knowledge as you have to write the answer].

You can either have the program test the characters you don't know yet, or test randomly. Characters may display twice or thrice in a row for repetition practice. The first test when you start the program is always random, of around 20 characters.

The program is mainly written for maximium speed in entering the answers, and for being used with the keyboard only.

[The development version supports almost 4000 characters, pinyin test, pinyin+meaning->character, compound words, and topical list of characters. It also has a feature where the knowledge decays if you don't use the program. Soon it will also support extracting characters or words from a piece of text. I also know that the word list and correct answer checking need some work.]

So here are some questions...

Is this software useful?

How should I make the interface better?

What should I do to make the software more engaging to the user?

I was inspired to write this program by Slime forest, for learning Japanese. If people like the program, I am considering adding some kind of story mode.

Please write me at cjrREMOVE_THIS[at]gongames.com with suggestions. Also let me know if you have any trouble using it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Adding that kind of feature is possible, but I'd prefer to have a better dictionary. I started with one with many definitions for each character, but that is kind of confusing for a learner; the idea would be to give a single word or two that the learner can associate to each character.

The original example would for example allow both origin and root for 本, in which case it is quite hard to go wrong.

Anyway, I will probably have to add it as an option!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Click here to reply. Select text to quote.

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...