ソーシャルネットワークキング Bebo を使った日本語学習環境のデザインと恊働学習促進の試み

Nagisa Fukui, Satomi Kawaguchi

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    As a result of recent developments in communications technology, language learners have more opportunities to use Japanese outside the classroom, as well as to have increased access to resources. In future, Japanese language education could make active use of these new resources and might be able to utilise these technologies to promote language activities outside the classroom. How can we appropriate online resources to encourage learners to participate in interactions outside the classroom as well as to heighten their motivation in learning Japanese? In this article, we will discuss how we can use online resources in all their diversity. The article reports two case studies from the University of Western Sydney and the University of New South Wales Australia, which attempt to apply (i) the pedagogical theory of collaborative learning in designing a learning environment, (ii) second language acquisition theory, and (iii) the social networking service Bebo, to capitalise on the multifunctional potential of technology for Japanese language learning. Although the objectives of the courses and the learners differ, both cases aim to build an effective learning environment which promotes learning activities outside the classroom. The design of activities is aimed at meeting learning goals through the use of the social networking service Bebo. The study found that Bebo accommodates the lifestyle of the learners and stimulates collaborative learning among the learners, as well as strengthens their motivation in learning Japanese. However, we found issues that need to be addressed, such as the challenge of providing prompt teacher feedback and the limited support for the technological environment. If we can improve these issues and further eradicate any complications, we can promote collaborative learning activities not only in the classroom but outside the class as well. Furthermore, not only can Bebo enhance out-of-class learning, but it can also enable the implementation of tasks which are challenging to conduct in the classroom. Bebo can also contribute to the creation of a community of learning, which leads to a sense of belonging among the language learners as well as to the development of a network among them. As a result, it can help to support and motivate learners. Bebo is thus a resource that has great potential for the future of language learning.
    Original languageJapanese
    Pages (from-to)115-134
    Number of pages20
    JournalElectronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching
    Volume12
    Issue number1
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Keywords

    • social networks
    • communication
    • second language acquisition
    • Japanese language

    Cite this