Online Education in Theory, Practice,
and
Applying the Internet to English Education
Course Description
This intensive practicum for University of
Tsukuba graduate students majoring in English education will be conducted in a
computer classroom connected to the Internet. As the Ministry of Education
(MEXT) emphasizes both computer literacy and developing "Japanese with English
abilities" as young as possible, course participants will gain readiness to
apply Internet information and communication technologies to their future
English as a Foreign Language classes in Japan. The course aims for an
understanding of the discipline of online education: its basic parameters,
concepts, trends and issues, globally as well as in Japan. Online educator
skills will also be developed through hands-on training in the WebCT learning
management system based at Portland State University in Oregon. Demonstrating
one of the advantages of online education, there will be expert participation
in the course from abroad through the Internet. Participants will first
brainstorm what online education is, by comparison with related fields such as
distance education and e-learning. The level of development of online
education in Japan and other countries will also be discussed. The lecturer
will present PowerPoint slides and Web pages on themes including the
parameters of online education, such as space, time, culture and face; trends,
such as online academic conferences, virtual universities, global networking
by educators, and the new occupation of Instructional Designer; issues, such
as student support, teleconferencing vs. Web-based education, and whether to
replicate face-to-face relationships vs. more ambitious goals made possible by
the new media; and theoretical considerations, such as definitions of terms,
and research on the similar effectiveness of online learning compared to
face-to-face classes. With this knowledge, the Internet can be applied to
teaching English: in writing, such as composition or content-based subjects,
possibly combining English literacy with computer literacy; and orally, such
as by adding a voice discussion board or voice chat room to an online course.
The practicum will be evaluated by short writings submitted and class
participation. Classes will be mostly in English, with some Japanese resources
and questions welcome.
Steve McCarty is a full professor at Kagawa
Junior College and elected president of the World Association for Online
Education from 1998-2005. His bilingual Website starts at: http://www.kagawa-jc.ac.jp/~steve/
