Speaker: Edo Forsythe (Hirosaki Gakuin University—Department of English Language and Literature)

Topic: Survey of recent research in MALL in Japanese EFL Contexts

Abstract:  Today’s technology has brought a revolution in access to world cultures and languages for language learners. Consequently, language teachers are experimenting constantly to make the best use of such technology in the language classroom to teach both language and content classes. This presentation will provide a survey of the mobile assisted language learning (MALL)-related research literature in Japanese EFL contexts from the previous seven years. The presenter will provide examples of how various technologies from computers to smartphones to video cameras to virtual reality devices are being employed in English classrooms in Japan. Topics to be covered include how mobile devices such as iPods, iPads, tablets, and smartphones are being used in language learning in Japanese universities. The presentation will also explore how social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Line are being incorporated into language lessons. Finally, a review of websites that have been reported on in the literature will be provided. Attendees will have a chance to share their own experiences with using technology in their classes. Attendees will come away with specific examples of how various technologies are being used in English education in Japan.

Date & Time: Saturday, December 12^th; 14:00 Akita Standard Time

Venue: ZOOM (a link has been sent to all current member. If you would like to join, please email bgrafstrom[at mark]gmailDOTcom clearly stating your FULL NAME and JALT affiliation.)

Format: approx. 50-minute presentation followed by Q&A/ Discussion

Presenter’s Bio: Dr. Edo Forsythe is the Head of the Department of English Language and Literature, Hirosaki Gakuin University. Edo does research in Educational Technology, Language Education and Teacher Education. Their current project is ‘Student perceptions of smartphone use in language learning’.