interactive museums

2004.03.18

Chun-Min Wang presented The CNN Interactive Magazine.

The CNN Interactive English Magazine is a product for people who speak Chinese wanting to learn to speak English. It provides several different methods of instruction within a single product, and allows the user access to real life examples.

The product uses an image drive user interface. Based on these images and their descriptions, the user chooses what kind of lesson they want to attempt.

Some of the methods of instruction included in the CNN Interactive Magazine include phonetic pronunciation of words, including an audio demonstration, and viewing real life news broadcasts and movie trailers, each with English and Chinese subtitles. In addition, the product allows users to create their own custom dictionary, filled with vocabulary of their choosing. Users can even listen to English words and speak them into a microphone to have their responses analyzed and compared against the desired pronunciation.

For evaluation purposes, the program features comprehensive testing and feedback, listening recognition testing, and grammar and syntax testing and feedback.

The CNN Interactive Magazine allows users to learn in individual, personalized methods. The only real criticisms directed during the discussion involved cultural differences, such as problems that might exist with the self-learning style. Additionally, some people brought up the idea that teaching more toward the TOEFL would be more effective.