Implementing Computer Technology into the Language Learning Process

The purpose of this article is to describe a language-learning environment for beginning Chinese learners in Australia in which technology plays a crucial role in the overall planning of the curriculum. In this curriculum priority had been given to listening and speaking skills rather than helping learners to learn through reading romanization of the Chinese language. The integration of computer enhanced learning materials in the curriculum not only provided easy access to the pronunciation of the Chinese language throughout the learning process; it also effectively motivated learners to be autonomous learners outside the classroom. Oral results from this group of learners suggest that the curriculum design of this course actually speeds up the rate of acquisition of Chinese evidenced by a substantial reduction of errors made by Chinese learners. The ways computer technology can help students’ strategy use in beginning Chinese classes are also explored.