Wikis and the World: Connecting Japanese Non-English Majors

Abstract

In spite of instant Internet access many young Japanese have limited exposure to the actual outside world. Globalization and Internationalization are especially difficult to explain and convey to Japanese learners of English who are also non-English majors. Through the use of Wikis, students are assigned a country to investigate through class tasks and assignments. These projects can range from simply posting a Google map or YouTube video on their Wiki page; to more detailed information such as available resources or potential environmental problems. Each student's gathered results are then offered to their classmates in the form of a short presentation. At the same time that learners are acquiring English language skills such as English introductions, shopping and travel scenarios they are also exploring the world around them. This technique offers a more modern and open approach to language learning that traditional methods such as texts and listening CDs cannot offer. The ever expanding availability of 24/7 media offers a free open resource to explore the world while learning a language, be it English or another vernacular. Student-Teacher evaluations at the conclusion of the course have shown favourable results. This presentation will briefly explain the free and secure Wiki software that is available and how it is being utilized at a Japanese university. Additionally, the presenter will offer some other suggestions for use in a variety of courses not associated with language learning.



Author Information
Harry Carley, Matusyama University, Japan

Paper Information
Conference: MediAsia2013
Stream: Media Studies

This paper is part of the MediAsia2013 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Carley H. (2014) Wikis and the World: Connecting Japanese Non-English Majors ISSN: 2186-5906 – The Asian Conference on Media & Mass Communication 2013 – Official Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.22492/2186-5906.20130260
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/2186-5906.20130260


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Posted by James Alexander Gordon