Exploring possibilities of MUSEs in promoting creative thinking and Chinese language learning

In this paper, we propose, based on the Image Streaming technique, to develop a Chinese MUSE environment. The MUSE environment will be constructed based on a classic Chinese literature known as the Song of Mountain and Sea. We discuss potential benefits of such an environment and propose possible research directions. Introduction Many people in Singapore still perceive Mandarin learning primarily to be a process of information receiving. This approach has been effective for exam-driven type of learning. Pupils learn the Mandarin language by memorization, accept what they are told and do not ask many questions. However, in this learning process, little thinking is fostered, especially divergent thinking (Chen, 1998). Research has shown that pupils who did well in the curriculum-based tests fail to perform well on life-based tests. One possible explanation of this discrepancy is that “Mandarin language lessons tend to be more teacher-centred than student-involved” (Soh & Chia, 1997, p. 82). On the other hand, although Singapore has started integrating IT and thinking skills into the curriculum, many of the primary school Chinese language teachers are still at the introductory stage of integrating IT into the curriculum. How to use PowerPoint in the lessons, using CDROM’s in the computer labs etc are the main concern of most teachers. In countries like the United States, a second stage teacher and instructors who are IT literate and need no courses in integrating IT into curriculum have emerged (Scandamalia, 2000). On one hand, these teachers are looking for some ways to handle the long standing problems of education-low literacy etc, on the other hand, these teachers are looking for something beyond the traditional objectives...more than multi-media and Internet search skills. Singapore may very soon follow the trend that is happening in the United States. It is therefore timely to look beyond the introductory stage and prepare for the second stage to arrive, to explore new approaches to inculcate IT, Chinese literacy, and thinking. This paper aims to explore the potential benefits of developing a Chinese MUSE environment. The MUSE environment will be constructed based on a classic Chinese literature known as the Song of Mountain and Sea. Based on the underlying principal of a special learning method known as Image Streaming, a Chinese MUSE may develop students’ language and thinking ability.