Development of Multimedia Japanese Language Software for Foreign Schoolchildren

在本研究中，我们为外国学校的儿童开发了日语多媒体CAI软件，其中包含了能够参与日语学校生活所必需的基本词汇和表达。为了回应外国学生的多种需求，对话段落和解释被翻译成英语、汉语、西班牙语和葡萄牙语。由于为外国学生开发日语教材是一个相对较新的领域，因此在研究过程中，首先需要确定日本学校外国儿童教育的现状，并收集相关资料和研究。在准备材料的过程中，我们不仅参考了儿童的日语教材和软件，也参考了成人的日语教材和软件。其次，完成了截至1993年开发的材料（即10种情景教材）、书面材料（日语口语表达和翻译成上述四种语言）、音频材料（书面材料的录音版本）、“静态”材料（插图）、“动态”材料（学校情景视频）和多媒体软件材料。这些材料模拟了日本学校的日常生活。完成的软件被国外学校的孩子实验使用，并记录了他们的反应和意见，并将结果用于初中科学教科书的中文翻译，包括该教科书的部分CAI版本。最后，对研究过程的描述，所开发材料的结构和内容，以及在制作材料时遇到的问题，以及个人研究报告等，都包括在研究报告中。

In this research we developed Japanese language multimedia CAI software for foreign school children, incorporating the basic vocabulary and expressions considered necessary to be able to participate in Japanese school life. In order to respond to the many needs of foreign students, the conversational passages and explanations were translated into English, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese.Because the field of developing Japanese language materials for foreign students is a relatively new field, in the course of research it waw first of all necessary to ascertain the current situation of education for foreign children in Japanese schools, and to gather information and research about it. In preparing our materials, reference was made to Japanese language textbooks and software not only for children but also for adults.Next, with regard to the materials developed up to 1993, (that is, textbook with 10 situations), written materials(Japanese spoken expressions and translations into the four languages mentioned above), audio materials(a taped version of the written materials), "still" materials(illustrations), "moving" materials(a video of school situations), and multimedia software materials were completed. These materials simulated everyday experiences in Japanese schools. The completed software was used experimentally by foreign school children, and their reactions, and opinions recorded and the results used in making a Chinese translation of a Junior high school science textbook, including a CAI version of part of that textbook.Finally, description of the course of the research, of the structure and contents of the materials developed, and of problems encountered in producing the materials, and individual research reports, etc., were included in a Research Report.