IV. Conclusion
The use of VoiceThread combines both teaching content and several kinds of media technology, diversifying interactions in Chinese language teaching in the web environment. The natural online interaction facilitate the activities for three modes of communication and its various function may meet the need of different learner styles. The article began with the introduction of three modes of communication, and then provided 12 teaching VoiceThread activity examples. It’s hoped that it can be used as a tool to develop students’ language ability through improving their communication ability. Examples given in this article are far from complete, and will be made more perfect in future.
ACTFL. (2012).|American Council on The Teaching of Foreign Languages. Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-proficiency-guidelines-2012/chinese/simplified-characters/%E5%8F%A3%E8%AF%AD
ACTFL. (2013). Aligning CCSS Language Standards - Updated 6-2013 - CrosswalkFinalAligningCCSSLanguageStandards.pdf. Retrieved from http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/CrosswalkFinalAligningCCSSLanguageStandards.pdf
Holland, J. (2010). Inspiring Active Learning with VoiceThread Technology. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Volume 7 Number 4. Retrieved from http://www.itdl.org/Journal/Apr_10/Apr_10.pdf
Zhang Ni. (2011) Use VocieThread to Improve Language Skills - Activity Design with Focus on Displaying the Learners' Abilities. pdf.
Journal of Technology and Chinese Language Teaching, 2(1), 63 of Technology and Chinese Language Teaching/Apr_10.pdf/zhang.pdf
Wang Xiaojun.(2005). Interactive Teaching Strategy and Textbook Compilation. Chinese Teaching in the World, (3), 106-(3) from http://www.doc88.com/p-1095433103156.html
Chen Zhiquan. (2003). Application of Interactive Teaching Strategy on Chinese Language Teaching. Journal of Chinese Language Education (1), 93
Fogarty, Robin. (1990). Designs for Cooperative Interactions. IRI/Skylight Publishing, Inc., http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED382377.
About the author:
Ms. Jiang Zilu is a Chinese language instructor at the Chinese Language Centre of the Open University of China. She taught at the Confucius Institute of Michigan State University (CI-MSU) from 2013 to 2016. CI-MSU is the world's first online Confucius Institute, co-founded by the OUC and MSU in 2006. While at CI-MSU, Jiang undertook the work of Chinese language instruction, designing online courses for local high school students, as well as researching online flipped classes and language instruction. Jiang gained rich, first-hand experience in utilising educational technologies to support and enhance interactions in online teaching environments.