Online language training with Shibaura Institute of Technology and University of Guam
2020/10/02
- Global
?The Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) Center for International Programs, in collaboration with the University of Guam in the U.S., conducted the Virtual English Adventure Program, a two-week online language training program for students using Zoom, from August 24 to September 4, 2020. Twenty-five SIT students participated in this program.
?The program is structured around a curriculum of English lessons taught by native English speakers. In addition to improving their language skills, participants are also be able to enhance their online collaboration, project management, presentation, and other skills.
A total of 25 students – thirteen first-year students, three second-year students, six third-year students, and three fourth-year students, participated in the course, which was divided into two classes by level. Many of the students who participated in the program said, "I was nervous at first because it was my first time taking an online language course, but thanks to the attentive instruction, I felt at ease during the two weeks," and "I could feel that my English skills had improved as a result of the close attention given to each student in terms of pronunciation and presentation”. Participants who had previously participated in the travel-based program also commented that the content of the online program was on par with the travel-based program. In the course evaluation survey, 96% of the students felt that their English skills had improved and that the program was highly satisfactory.
Due to the impact of the 2020 coronavirus epidemic, cross-border travel was restricted and many international exchange programs were cancelled or postponed. Cooperation was made possible, however, with the help of the University of Guam, which began studying online at an early stage. SIT and the University of Guam signed a comprehensive agreement in November 2018 and will continue to work together to build an attractive program in the future. SIT is also considering implementing this program at its affiliated junior and senior high schools, as well as at its university.
We will continue to monitor the coronavirus infection rate, however, in order to plan the best time for resumption of the program.
A total of 25 students – thirteen first-year students, three second-year students, six third-year students, and three fourth-year students, participated in the course, which was divided into two classes by level. Many of the students who participated in the program said, "I was nervous at first because it was my first time taking an online language course, but thanks to the attentive instruction, I felt at ease during the two weeks," and "I could feel that my English skills had improved as a result of the close attention given to each student in terms of pronunciation and presentation”. Participants who had previously participated in the travel-based program also commented that the content of the online program was on par with the travel-based program. In the course evaluation survey, 96% of the students felt that their English skills had improved and that the program was highly satisfactory.
Due to the impact of the 2020 coronavirus epidemic, cross-border travel was restricted and many international exchange programs were cancelled or postponed. Cooperation was made possible, however, with the help of the University of Guam, which began studying online at an early stage. SIT and the University of Guam signed a comprehensive agreement in November 2018 and will continue to work together to build an attractive program in the future. SIT is also considering implementing this program at its affiliated junior and senior high schools, as well as at its university.
We will continue to monitor the coronavirus infection rate, however, in order to plan the best time for resumption of the program.
Contact
Planning and Public Relations Section
3-9-14 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8548, Japan (2F Shibaura campus)
TEL:+81-(0)3-6722-2900 / FAX:+81-(0)3-6722-2901
E-mail:koho@ow.shibaura-it.ac.jp