Digital Tools for Chinese Character Acquisition and Their Impact on Student Motivation

This research examines the use of newly-developed software applications such as e-dictionaries, digital flash cards, and digital character writing programs in the L2 Chinese language classroom in higher education. The acquisition of literacy in a character-based language such as Chinese can be difficult and time-consuming for the Second Language Learner. The objective is to investigate the extent to which these digital tools can reduce learner frustration, stimulate student motivation, and thus enhance student learning. This study reports on the introduction of a character-learning software application to provide spaced repetition learning at beginner level Chinese in a Western university. A student questionnaire, focus group and data analytics were used to assess take-up, frequency of use, and Chinese character acquisition. It was found that digital tools for Chinese character learning have the potential to enhance student engagement with their learning and allow for a broader range of strategies in the learning of Chinese character script. Challenges remain in adapting digital learning based on space repetition to the typical classroom schedule.