Evaluating and Integrating Technology for Japanese Language Teaching
The JOINT online professional development program of the Alliance of Associations of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ) most recently offered “Evaluating and Integrating Technology for Japanese Language Teaching” in Winter 2015.
Description: Participants in this course learn how to critically evaluate technology tools in order to effectively integrate them into Japanese language courses. They identify useful technology applications for all areas of classroom instruction using the World Readiness Standards for Learning Languages (formerly known as the National Standards for Learning Foreign Languages) as well as integrating 21st Century Learning Skills, highlighting the domain of Information, Media and Technology Skills.
Participants have an opportunity to discuss with one another the best strategies for integrating technology in order to enhance their own teaching, and they will develop lesson plans focusing on one of the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretative, presentational).
The course was conducted between January 19 and March 15, 2015 (six weeks of class plus one week of orientation and technology familiarization and one week of evaluation).
Instructors: Emi Ochiai Ahn, Mesa (AZ) Community College; Lynn Sessler Neitzel, Blackhawk Technical College/Wisconsin Virtual School.
Credit and Grading: Graduate credit is made available for those who wish it, at a reasonable cost ($140 for two semester credit hours). Those participants who elect to receive credit receive grades for the course; grades are based on participation, materials development projects, completion of assigned readings, and self/peer evaluation. All participants who complete the course receive certificates of completion from AATJ/JOINT.
Required Technical Background for Participants: Participants should be familiar with basic Internet features such as looking for information, reading online materials, downloading materials, sending and receiving emails, and online chatting. Experience with using Skype (voice and/or webcam) and a collaborative writing tool such as Google Docs or wiki would be a plus. A fast Internet connection (Ethernet or wireless) will be needed to work on various online activities; dial-up modem connection is not recommended. Participants who do not have a webcam and microphone built into their computers need to purchase one for course participation (the cost for this equipment is usually about $25).
