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Hi everyone, I haven't written anything in a while. So here I am.
Due to my quickly increasing need to know more kanji (I'm moving to Japan in a year) I designed a program which could be used for doing just that. Learning kanji recognition quickly and effectively. As well as larger words strung together. Soon after writing it, I realized that it could effectively be used for other languages as well. Since it had no major limits other than string width, not length. So, yeah, keep that noted.
To further explain this program and theory behind it. It's really very simple and partially based on another program (LRNJ) someone else had designed. However, their learning design was flawed and I fixed that flaw in their design. So it goes as such.
* System and Time Limit (You set it, normal is 5 seconds)
In the program you're given a time limit that forces you to have to think quickly, otherwise you'll get the question wrong. If you fail your percentage will go down on your total score, which is completely visible at all times during the test. As well, the answer to the problem you just got wrong will show so that you can get it correctly now and send in the answer.
* Small and Large Lists
The program allows you to make lists, since I don't plan to make anything other than Japanese kanji and word lists. They can be as big or as small as you want them to be.
To further the learning process, use small lists until you have those in the list down. When you have small lists, the above explanation for how this program teaches should be obvious. When you get one wrong, you're told your wrong making you want to get it right, then giving you the answer. That way next time you come across it, you'll get it correctly. It does quickly and efficiently work for this purpose, I tested it on some other people who don't know Japanese at all.
Large lists are effective as a review tool. I suggest against trying to learn with large lists. I tested that and everyone was telling me it was a lot easier to learn with small lists. I agreed and had already had that thought in the back of my head.
* Settings
While in the program, there are several extras that were stuck in for the purpose of learning. But can be shut off if you need. These include
- Show word meaning / definition (turn off to ensure you're actually learning by recognition)
- Show word notes (if there are any) / No notes
- Show timer / No timer
- Autoload on / off
Autoload is a system that as you're typing will check for your current text vs the answer. If they match, it'll automatically send the answer in. This setting is good for reviewing. I don't think you should have it on for learning.
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Okay, so now that I've broken that down. The Windows version is under development. The current version is web based because I was on Ubuntu and didn't want to log off, and I don't write programs for Linux, so...but the web based version was not made to be put on the web. Odd right? Not so much, I make a lot of stuff like that.
To use, follow these instructions
1) Install XAMPP
2) Stick files in "/xampp/htdocs/(PROGRAM FOLDER NAME HERE)/"
3) Run through web browser at "http://127.0.0.1/(PROGRAM FOLDER NAME HERE)/"
The program's web version was sloppy, but that's also 'cause I didn't intend to make the thing for the web in the first place. But hey, I've now refined it, so it's not so bad.
Is there anyone here interested in trying the program? If yes, I'll PM you a link to the program as well as the lists currently. Because I don't want everyone on Earth coming and grabbing this program randomly. I really just need more feedback before I officially release it. The Windows version should be done today or tomorrow depending on the amount of work I put into it.
Okay, reply like usual. If you want to test it, make sure to directly state you want to test it. Otherwise I won't send a link.
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Official release pending.