New Japanese Learning Website - Help Needed

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Poskusin New member
From: Canada Registered: 2011-04-29 Posts: 7

Hey guys,

I'm currently building a Japanese Learning website that is extremely interactive and built around single/multiplayer learning games. The interface is a lot like a computer operating system and will help users learn Vocab, Grammar, Kana and Kanji. I've made some good progress on the site but would love to hear some creative input on types of games/applications that I could create that would be fun and effective.

For now I am only focusing on vocab, but will move into grammar, etc at a later date, so all game types are encouraged! Once I have one or two prototypes developed I will be looking for users to test the website and would love to have you guys come try it out if you would like. I would like this to be a very social, community based interactive platform/

At this point I would like to keep the website free for everyone, but may down the line include some type of premium based game content.

In summary I'm looking for creative, simple single/multi player game ideas that will be effective in teaching vocabulary.

I'm excited to hear any and all of your ideas guys, let's make learning fun!

Poskusin New member
From: Canada Registered: 2011-04-29 Posts: 7

So many views and so little replies! smile I hope that everyone who has read this will keep it in mind if they have any ideas. Here's some early screenshots of the system. Backgrounds are custom, so you can either use a solid color or link to an image online.

Here's some screenshots of the current system so you have an idea. (This is run inside of Chrome)

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/OldSkool2008/1-2.png
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/OldSkool2008/2.png
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii77/OldSkool2008/3.png

Bokusenou Member
From: America Registered: 2007-01-12 Posts: 820 Website

Not sure how hard these would be to implement, but I'll just throw a few ideas out there (sorry for any typos. I'm writing this on my phone):

1. Kanji crossword puzzle:
A crossword puzzle in which the overlaping parts of words need to share the same kanji. Can be changed to sharing the same kana in beginner mode.

2. A matching game kind of like Bejeweled or Candy Crush, only instead of icons, you use kana and give points for  selecting them in an order which makes a word.

3. A game where you get like 10 random kana and have to make words out of them. Underneath it shows how many words you can make out of them, and roughly how long they are.

Also, for the user accounts you could have some kind of game-like level system where they level up the more they use the site.

Anyway, great job, and good luck with your site! Looks great so far.

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ryanjmack Member
From: New Jersey Registered: 2013-01-30 Posts: 150

Poskusin wrote:

So many views and so little replies! smile I hope that everyone who has read this will keep it in mind if they have any ideas. Here's some early screenshots of the system. Backgrounds are custom, so you can either use a solid color or link to an image online.

I like how you're allowed to customize the background. The only thing I could think of atm is that I would suggest removing romaji from the website altogether. Anybody who is serious about learning japanese should use kana/kanji.  However, you could have some sort of kana games/drills to help people who are just starting out.

Poskusin New member
From: Canada Registered: 2011-04-29 Posts: 7

Thanks for the feedback you guys!

Bokusenou - Those are some great ideas. I especially like the Bejeweled idea. And there is most certainly a leveling system included. You've given me some great ideas beyond the ones you've posted!

Ryanjmack - Thanks! I'm hoping to create a pleasant addictive experience that makes people want to learn without feeling like they are learning. There will be kana games and the option to switch between romaji and kana. It's always a little intimidating being forced to learn a new writing system when someone may just want to learn vocab. I don't want to limit anyone from learning how they feel is best for themselves.

Thank you both for taking the time to reply, every little bit helps and I hope I will have something more to show you all soon! じゃ、また!

Edit: Just as some added incentive, anyone who's ideas are in some form used or incorporated will receive a lifelong premium account. While anyone can access all the vocab content, when new games or apps are added down the road, they may have to be purchased. With a premium account, you will never have to pay for new additions. I know not everyone is interested in this type of thing, but it's there on the table if you want it.

Last edited by Poskusin (2013 November 19, 3:48 pm)

Xanpakuto Member
Registered: 2013-06-01 Posts: 239 Website

Perhaps you can set up some type of leader board system so that there's a sense of competition. The leader board can show how much points players has earned, level, time spent on site, etc.

Bokusenou Member
From: America Registered: 2007-01-12 Posts: 820 Website

@Poskusin
Glad to help!

@Xanpakuto
Yeah, that would be awesome! To make it cooler, every 10-20 levels or so the users could go up a rank, and the ranks could have really cool, Japan themed names (Samurai, Shogun, etc).

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