A Systematic Review of Online Chinese as a Second Language Learning: Advantages and Challenges

Abstract

"Internet+Chinese language education" represents a forward-thinking approach for Chinese as a foreign language, aligned with key initiatives such as "The Belt and Road" and the "Internet+" national strategy (Nie, 2023). The integration of educational technology into Chinese language instruction for non-native speakers offers innovative pedagogical possibilities, promising significant improvements in student engagement and learning outcomes. However, research on online Chinese language learning remains in its early stages, with relatively few studies available in this area (Nguyen et al., 2014). Online tools and applications for teaching Chinese have gained traction over the last decade, marking a prominent trend in the field. This study provides an extensive and nuanced review of current research, analyzing materials from February 2014 to March 2024 to assess both the benefits and challenges of online Chinese language education. Results reveal that while online learning affords substantial flexibility and convenience for students and teachers, it still encounters challenges such as technological limitations and classroom interaction. Of the initial 227 papers reviewed, 25 met the criteria for inclusion and underwent comprehensive analysis.