1.                 From 2007, handheld Chinese Language to Chinese Language (CL-CL) electronic dictionaries will be allowed in the Chinese Language (CL) composition component of national examinations, namely the PSLE, GCE N Level, GCE O Level and GCE A Level examinations as an alternative to the print dictionary.  The use of handheld electronic dictionaries will also be allowed in school-based composition assessments from 2006. 

2.                 Only handheld electronic dictionaries that are approved by the Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board (SEAB) will be allowed for use in the CL composition component of national examinations. SEAB has approved the CL-CL e-dictionary model, Hansvision Handheld Dictionary PX2051 (汉神掌上学 PX2051), developed by Creative Technology Ltd in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE). This model contains content suitable for use across all levels, from primary school to pre-university.  It can be used by students throughout their years of study across the various educational levels.

3.                 Creative Technology Ltd will make the necessary arrangements with schools for students to purchase the CL-CL e-dictionary, priced at $24 (w/o GST), in December 2005. This price is comparable to the print dictionaries approved for use in the CL composition component of national examinations. Students can also continue to use a print dictionary in the CL composition component of examinations depending on their preference.

4.                 The Hansvision Handheld Dictionary PX2051 is the only CL-CL e-dictionary approved by SEAB for use in the CL composition component of national examinations in 2007. Students will not be allowed to bring in any unauthorised e-dictionary for the CL composition component of a national examination.  

BACKGROUND 

5.                 Currently, print dictionaries approved by SEAB are allowed in ‘O’ level Mother Tongue and Higher Mother Tongue composition examinations.  From 2006, print dictionaries approved by SEAB will also be allowed in PSLE Mother Tongue and Higher Mother Tongue composition examinations.

6.                 In 2004, the Chinese Language Curriculum and Pedagogy Review Committee recommended that a handheld electronic device be developed for students to enhance the learning of CL. It was also recommended that the handheld CL-CL electronic dictionary be allowed in the CL composition component of national examinations. MOE initiated the development of a CL-CL e-dictionary which would enable instantaneous retrieval of pronunciations, word meanings and sample sentences of words by Hanyu Pinyin or radical search methods. This portable and handy digital device could be used anywhere, anytime, and would facilitate students’ learning of CL.

7.                 As there were no existing CL-CL e-dictionaries available in the market that met MOE requirements, MOE collaborated with Creative Technology Ltd to develop the Hansvision Handheld Dictionary PX2051 by providing relevant inputs on the content and technical specifications. Creative Technology Ltd developed the e-dictionary at its own expense. The company will be marketing and selling the e-dictionaries directly to schools. 

8.                 Developers of other CL-CL e-dictionaries may submit their products through MOE to SEAB for approval.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

25 October 2005