Case Study

Instructional Challenge

Professor Suda teaches undergraduate Japanese language 100 and 200-level classes. Her courses are taught in a task-based, student centered format with Japanese language communicative activities as the primary instructional method. However, the frustration experienced by many language instructors is that it is difficult to allocate sufficient time in-class for student to practice the target (Japanese) language. Class time is also needed for teaching grammar, pronunciation, writing systems, culture, and more. The challenge is finding enough class-time to allow students to practice Japanese language.

Technology Solution

Echo360 was the recommended solution because it allowed her to easily capture presentations off the computer with audio narration and video. Course material that was taught in class, such learning Japanese and Kanji characters, and reading comprehension exercises were recorded using Echo360 and posted to Professor Suda's Canvas course, making it easy for students to access the course material. Students can start and stop the videos to review the material and take notes. View of sample of the video. 

Impact on Student Learning

Students now have more opportunities to practice Japanese language during class time. The online learning portion of the class has been well received by students. Students liked being able to replay the video lectures on Japanese and Kanji characters outside of class and at their own pace. According to Prof. Suda, students are more engaged in the learning activity than they had been previously.