Project Description:
Our exhibit shows how multimedia technology can enhance learning in many ways. The subject is Chinese characters, a living ancient language that is also an important modern art form. Learning Chinese characters is often difficult for students with no background in Chinese culture. However, technology offers some fascinating solutions and can reveal the innate artistry of the characters. There are five activities: (1) THEATER—Visitors touch characters from a panel and enjoy stage performances that show the origins of Chinese characters, reflecting the pictures, sounds, and abstract ideas within the characters. (2) TOUCH-SCREEN KIOSK—Visitors touch characters on a computer screen and experience video animations that reproduce and enhance the performances in (1). Actors, animals and inanimate objects morph into character shapes or act out character meanings. These virtual interactions can stimulate logic, reasoning and intuition. A SLURL back to our SL exhibit shows that technology can offer endless interfaces for learning. A mobile phone on the side links to a demo that is best seen on a mobile device such as an iPhone. (3) PRACTICE STATIONS—Visitors view animated stroke orders on a computer and then practice writing at a physical ink and brush station and/or a computer program. Technology enables a hands-on approach to learning. (4) CHARACTER-MAKING STATION--Visitors create complex characters by physically joining character parts and/or through a drag n' drop computer game. Again proposes that technology improves the hands-on approach to learning. (5) CHALLENGE WALL—Visitors guess the meanings of complex characters based on the knowledge acquired from the first four interactive stations. Demonstrates that mind-training games provide effective feedback and can refine the thinking process. URL: www.clalive.com

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