Situated Learning Japanese Instructors' Workshop

Virtual Japanese

27 August 2012

Teachers and instructors of Japanese are invited to the University of Alberta this Sunday, September 9th for a very special workshop!

Based on the research of Dr. Koichi Hosoi, the workshop will focus on one the future's most valuable and inspiring teaching tools: situated learning. His presentation will discuss how situated learning in a virtual world can be used to reinforce language skills and be used to connect students both to the culture and environment native to the language being learned. Audience members will be introduced to one of these virtual worlds created to help second language learners of Japanese and will learn just how this environment can be used to benefit their students.

Audience members will also be invited to participate in an open discussion with Dr. Hosoi to discuss their opinions on situated learning. How can situated learning affect the learning of Japanese? What techniques can teachers learn from these interactive learning tools? What are the positive or negative consequences of utilizing this type of classroom?

Further details:

Workshop Title:

Situated Learning Platform for Japanese Language and Culture in 3D Metaverse

Location:

Rm 236/238 TELUS Centre for Professional Development

87 Avenue &111 Street, University of Alberta, T6G 2R1

Time/Date:

Sunday, September 9, 2012, 1:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm

Abstract:
In this special presentation, Professor Koichi Hosoi, Ritsumeikan University, will introduce their e-Learning platform where students from overseas can learn Japanese language and culture in the 3D metaverse. The design and implementation of their learning platform in Second Life (SL) based on the concept of situated learning that emphasizes embodied interaction with the external objects/environment in the process of learning will be presented. This platform includes traditional Japanese architecture, such as Shinto shrines, a Noh stage, Kimono museum and a Buddhist pagoda. The audience will also explore these architectures in the virtual space with their avatar.