第18回 Keio University and Manchester University and ‘E-exchange’: e-Language in Action

e-Language in Action～次世代メディアとプロジェクト発信型英語教育～

第18回
Keio University and Manchester University and ‘E-exchange’

鈴木　佑治

慶應義塾大学環境情報学部教授　兼　同大学大学院　政策・メディア研究科委員

Jonathan Bunt, Head of East Asian Studies, School of Languages , Linguistics and Cultures

　今回はマンチェスター大学Jonathan Bunt先生に報告していただきます。この報告はBunt先生の紹介で英国の先生方にも読んでいただけると思います。よって今回は私の前置きも含めて英語で書かせていただきます。

　There have been a series of educationally stimulating activities that have been developed by the participants in the online culture & language exchange program sponsored by CAMILLE research group at Keio University, Shonan-Fujisawa and by Professors Jonathan Bunt-Yukiko Shaw research group at Manchester University. For the full details of those activities, the readers should refer to the two separate reports previously given by Professor Yukiko Shaw (TOEFL Mail Magazine #44) and Tsukasa Yamanaka (TOEFL Mail Magazine # 43). All the activities would not have been possible without Professor Bunt’s long-time dedicated support and advice. As Head of East Asian Studies, School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures at Manchester University, Professor Bunt recommends that Keio and Manchester should move on to the next stage to institutionalize the on-going, informally undertaken, exchange program. To have the program officially approved by both institutions, however, revisions must be added to the program. In this regard, Professor Bunt provides us with the following precious suggestions.

Jonathan Bunt氏の報告

　Following the kind invitation of Professor Suzuki and his seminar group I came and spoke at Keio in October I am very pleased to have an opportunity to outline some of the thoughts which have emerged from that stimulating experience.

　A great benefits of studying a language at university in the UK is the ‘year abroad’*1 and the opportunity to develop language skills through an experience that changes the lives of most of those who undertake it. Progress is perhaps greatest when language is used for real world tasks undertaken in negotiation with others and study abroad provides that. I also believe that the contribution of ‘E-exchange’ can be immense.

　Manchester University about to begin to discuss a student exchange agreement (wishes to propose a student exchange program) with Keio whereby 2 or 3 Manchester Japanese Studies students and a similar number of Keio students would have the opportunity to study at each other’s institutions. Sadly small numbers; what of the other students on both sides who will not have this opportunity? And how do we best prepare those who do? I am keen to explore ‘E-exchange’ in parallel with student exchange as described above.

　Here are just two suggestions based on work that I and colleagues of mine are currently doing:

Students in pairs (or small groups of 2/3 on each side) exchange audio files (mp3) with ‘statements’ and ‘questions’ about topics that are decided in advance and according to a fixed timetable. The ‘statements’ are recorded in the mother tongue and thus provide listening practice material for the partner/s and the ‘questions’ are recorded in the target language. One week after sending the ‘answers’ are sent and a week is given for follow up; then on to the next topic. This has the advantage of being asynchronous and of using standard PC software. Staff are advisors and providers of a back-up network.

Using internet videophone technology such as Skype or Manchester’s Virtual Manchester Campus tool*2 we can have pairs of students working on an exchange basis of 2-3 hours a week with half of the time dedicated to each partner’s language needs. This builds on a long history of assessed partnerships in language learning in UK higher education called TANDEM. Usually there is a shortage of partners for face-to-face Tandem schemes but the E-exchange idea will allow us to develop the large range of tried and tested tasks and materials available already.

　 When the first Keio students come to Manchester (and vice-versa) they could have, through E-exchange, the excitement of meeting people who are already their friends and who can make the start of the great study abroad adventure easier. Through E-exchange even those not coming yet themselves will have shared some part of their life and language with their peers in Manchester - a true ‘internationalization’ of learning. Technology is already transforming learning as we have known it. These are wonderful times ... what an exchange this could be!

*1 Most UK university degrees are 3 years but language-based area studies degrees are 4 years with a compulsory minimum of 32 weeks of study or work abroad, usually during the 3rd year.
*2 see photo