Landscape view not supported, please use protrait view!

Mandarin class meets modern technology at THINK Global School

THINK Global School students show their iPads

TGS students are preparing for our third international stop in year one: Beijing. Teacher Sherry Zhang is instructing students in Mandarin language classes in order to help them communicate and interact with people they meet this spring. Common phrases and greetings as well as the nuances of proper pronunciation are practiced regularly in class.

Using technology to learn Mandarin

Additionally, Sherry integrates elements of Chinese culture into her coursework to help students get a better sense of their third home this school year. And to top it off, students have regular Skype sessions with the students of our Beijing host school to practice their skills.

One of the important elements of Sherry’s coursework is not only to learn how to pronounce the words and read “pinyin” (Mandarin words spelled out in western characters for learning purposes) – students are also learning to recognize, read, and write Chinese characters.

TGS students use variety of tools to hone their skills in this area. Traditional paper, ink, and brushes are a great way to learn brushstrokes and other subtleties of the characters; students do use these materials on occasion. But in a modern twist, students also turn to their iPads to practice their writing, and to turn in assignments.

Required apps for the class include:

The iPhone 4 also features built in character recognition software that allows you to draw Chinese characters with your finger.

All of these tools allow students to practice their writing, reading and pronunciation skills on the go without lugging dictionaries, brushes and notepads along; world travelers pack light, after all!

Ready to embark on the educational journey of a lifetime?

A passion for travel. A strong academic record. And the desire to improve the world as you experience it. If this sounds like you, you just might be our ideal candidate! Start your application with a five-minute inquiry form - you never know where you might end up.

It all starts here.

Ready to embark on the educational journey of a lifetime?

A passion for travel. A strong academic record. And the desire to improve the world as you experience it. If this sounds like you, you just might be our ideal candidate! Start your application with a five-minute inquiry form - you never know where you might end up.

It all starts here.

Apply now

Sign up if you would like to receive occasional news from us.

Subscribe

Now available! Professional development opportunities through THINK Learning Studio

Explore