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Authors: Kazumi Hatasa, Yukiko Hatasa, and Peter Henstock
Learning vocabulary words, kanji, and verbal conjugations is a key to success in learning Japanese. As important as it is, going over vocabulary words is not a very productive and efficient use of class time. This system allows one to practice vocabulary and conjugations on an individual basis.
The vocabulary and kanji section allows the student to ask for questions to be presented in (1) kanji + kana (with or without audio), (2) kana only (with or without audio), (3) audio only, or (4) English. Audio refers to the model pronunciation by a native speaker. In modes (1) and (2) the student answers in English, in mode (3) the student can either answer in kana or in English, and in mode (4) answers must be in kana. The availability of various presentation modes and response modes is a strength of the program.
Another nice feature is the kanji database. Once a kanji database is constructed which reflects one's own course materials, the program is capable of determining what kanji the learner can be assumed to have learned and deciding to supply or suppress furigana accordingly.
The program also has a quiz function. Instructors can have the students take a quiz and turn in a print-out of the score page.
The conjugation section allows the students to practice conjugating verbs and adjectives. For verbs, for example, the students can select one of sixteen verbal forms (from plain present affirmative to causative-passive) or the English meaning as a cue and practice converting it into a form of their choice.