JOINT (Japanese Online Instruction Network for Teachers) Webinars for Teachers of Japanese

Asako Hayashi-Takakura is a lecturer of Japanese at University of California Los Angeles. Her research focuses on language development of Japanese-English bilingual children, curriculum development for Japanese heritage language speakers, and computer assisted language learning (CALL). Dr. Hayashi-Takakura earned her MA in Japanese pedagogy from Columbia University and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree from Boston University. She was selected as a member of the curriculum evaluation committee of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center of the Department of Defense in 2013. Her recent presentations include “Development of blended language instruction for Japanese-language learners” (ACTFL 2016) and “Language ability of Japanese English immersion children and graduates: Implications for Japanese language learning as lifelong education” (AATJ 2017).

In the current global society, we cannot avoid the use of technology in any learning environment. However, it is not clear how and to what extent we should use technology in our language instruction. Is it enough to let the learners use on-line dictionaries, flashcards, quizzes, or Skype, connect to language learning Apps such as “HiNative” or upload their works to a website?  This webinar will introduce a variety of technology-enhanced activities that students of all ages and levels can engage in while learning the Japanese language. In particular, collaborative activities using anime, music, and commercial video clips are introduced step by step. The proposed curricula incorporate content-based instruction and authentic assessment.

This webinar will address a wide range of language backgrounds and needs of the current learners in global communities. Then it will discuss the pros and cons of the use of on-line materials and activities in language learning. Finally, it concludes by sharing a sample of flipped classroom activities and student-centered projects for K-8 and high school/college students.