FITS Faculty Project: List all projects
Introduction to Japanese Language
Prior to the database, Professor Chiba followed the traditional method of learning language, repeatedly writing the vocabulary on paper and worksheets. She wanted to create a resource for her students with more interactive options that would provide reinforcement, while, at the same time, increasing their knowledge of the Japanese verb forms.

Learning the Japanese language is a difficult process. At times, it can be challenging to retain the vocabulary already learned while constantly learning new words. Students learning Japanese must remember nine verb forms for each verb they learn. The website allows the students to not only learn and review the verb forms in class but also outside of class. Regular use of the website provides the students with the constant reinforcement that language learning requires. Because the students are reviewing and repeating the vocabulary outside of class, the students will not require as much repetition in class, which saves a considerable amount of class time. Professor Chiba is able to use the verb forms in context, rather than using the class period to repeat verb conjugation drills.

Project Description

Professor Chiba’s FITS project is a database driven website. Each word in the vocabulary database has four components: a visual image (a picture describing the word), an audio clip, the correct spelling, and the English definition. When the students open an exercise within the website, they will see a matrix of visual images. After viewing the image, the students will type each Japanese verb in the correct conjugate form underneath the image; this is repeated for each verb image in the matrix. Professor Chiba chose to use visual images because she wants the students to primarily concentrate on the Japanese rather than rely on English definitions. After they have finished typing the correct verb form for each verb, the students can check their answers. If an answer is incorrect, the correct answer will be displayed. This method allows the students to self-asses their progress, as well as provides a means of individual study.

Production Details

The website is currently being used in Professor Chiba’s classroom. Although the project is functioning, small changes and updates need to be made. Visit the website at http://fits.depauw.edu/hchiba .

Hiroko Chiba
wanted to create a resource for her students that would provide constant reinforcement, while increasing their knowledge of the Japanese language.

Team Members Include:

Frank Gilbert and Chad Arnold




Contact Information:


Hiroko Chiba
Associate Professor of Japanese
hchiba@depauw.edu

Frank Gilbert
FITS Graduate Intern
fgilbert@depauw.edu

Chad Arnold
FITS Student Associate
carnold@depauw.edu
FITS small logoFaculty Instructional Technology Support - FITS is a program that assists faculty members in enhancing their teaching and their students learning through the latest technology. FITS is concerned with the pedagogical applications of technology, rather then with explicit technical training. FITS DML logoDigital Media Lab - Located in the basement of the Roy O. West Library, the dml works closely with FITS, the Web Team, Information Services and other campus technology organizations to develop consistent and easy to use services for all faculty, students and staff. DML Music Instructional Technology Center - DePauw's School of Music includes the Music Instructional Technology Center, an advanced facility that includes a computer lab, audio production facility and mobile audio recording services. MITC GIS LogoGeographic Information Systems - The DePauw GIS Center coordinates GIS activities across campus so that information and knowledge can be shared and exchanged for the benefit of the entire DePauw community. It also collaborates with Greencastle and Putnam County communities to establish a relationship that benefits both DePauw and the surrounding region. GIS Student Technology Support - (formally START) provides students with opportunities to enhance their liberal arts education with information technology knowledge and skills. Workshops, Web-based training, courses and one-on-one training are available to all students. SITS students and staff members work with faculty members to provide specific course related technology training through in-class workshops. Student Technology Support
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