Yong Zhao, a professor of educational psychology and educational technology at Michigan State University (MSU), has created the first online Chinese language video game.
The interactive “Zon/New Chengo” game is free and teaches students how to speak Chinese. It also teaches students about the Chinese culture. Zhao created the game in conjunction with the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
“There is a general increase in demand for more opportunities to learn about Chinese culture and language,” Zhao says. “This game offers a vicarious, virtual experience of China.”
“Zon/New Chengo” lets players interact with each other. It also virtually immerses students in the Chinese culture by allowing them to visit markets, read newspapers, watch television, chat and trade with other players and find jobs.
“A new generation of learners has emerged,” Zhao says. “And this generation of learners—we call them digital natives—they live on computers, they live in video games. We are reaching a generation of people who are more used to new technologies.”
Zhao started working on the game concept in 2001 for the U.S. and Chinese governments. Though that effort didn’t pan out, the Chinese Language Council International, also known as Hanban, provided more than $1 million for the project.
Source: Michigan State University
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
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