Abstract
This paper will review how the Global Pandemic starting in 2020 has affected classes at a typical Japanese university. Initially, the university students at an all women's college were considered to be passive and not willing to take risks. However, as the instructor was forced to switch from face-to-face to online classes using the university's platform Kyonet, it has become evident that this was not the case. The instructor used "World English", an all-English textbook published by National Geographic in her freshman class, and "AFP World News Report 5" in her sophomore and junior class. In both classes, due to the flip classroom, there was an increase in accuracy in student-written output, and students created PowerPoint presentations on the topics of SDGs, endangered languages and COVID, and innovations in Africa using smartphones. The presentations were shared via GoogleMeet using breakout sessions, which has increased interaction among peers not usually seen in face-to-face classrooms. The online classes have also made interaction between exchange students (one from China and the other from Benin Africa) and the Japanese students possible. This is extremely important as borders close during the lockdown and there is little opportunity to study abroad.
Author Information
Kayo Ozawa, Kyoritsu Women's College, Japan
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