A Crowdsourcing Approach to Chinese Vocabulary Learning

Abstract

The fast development of new technology, particularly web-based and
mobile technology, has been transforming ways how languages are
taught and learned. The current study examines the use of Memrise, a
crowdsourcing spaced repetition program, by college students of
Chinese, and its effects on Chinese character learning. The findings of
the study demonstrate the effectiveness of the program. The study has
also identified important factors and conditions that should exist in
order for the use of the program to be successful. Based on the findings
of the study, suggestions are made for language teachers in regards to
using Memrise or similar programs in vocabulary teaching. Even
though the current study focuses on Chinese character learning, the
findings of the study can be applied to any other languages.