In and Out of the Classroom

Exploring and Maximizing Student Potential Using

LMS and SALC

Megumi Tada

Hirosaki University

Center for Liberal Arts Development & Practices

October 30th, 2016

Tsugaru Innovation in Language Learning Symposium

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Issues on College Curriculum and

Needs from new generations

“Ability as a College Graduate” defined by MEXT (Policy Report, 2008)

“Communication Skills are mandatory both in intellectual activities and in

vocational/social life” (translation mine)

“One should be able to read, write, listen, and speak both in Japanese and in a

specific foreign language” (translation mine)

Freshmen in 2016 have already been educated based on the new

Curriculum Guidelines enforced in 2013 in high schools and under

As “Three Elements of Academic Ability”, one should 1) not only acquire

knowledge and skills, but also 2) nurture ability to think, judge, and express

oneself, and 3) be able to actively and independently acquire attitude of

working together and learning with various people. (translation mine)

Traditional lecture type classes should be changed

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For your students’ “Active Learning in the Classroom”

introducing what’s available at Hirodai

1)LMS = Learning Management System

Moodle https://moodle.org/

2) SALC = Self-Access Learning Center

The English Lounge

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LMS, Learning Management System

Moodle, Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment

Moodle is an open source, free to download LMS

72,410 registered sites

in 231 countries

94 million users worldwide

https://moodle.net/sites/ (updated daily)

What’s LMS / Moodle?

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cf. Colleges using Moodle in Japan (2013)

http://www.slideshare.net/tatsuva/moodle-16329847

Is 90 minutes enough time for you?

What if you can;

save time …

grading regular quizzes

checking textbook homework

make it easy to …

hold outside class discussion

have students write to each other

gather student presentation files / collect papers

make announcements

get in touch with students prior to the next class5

There are a vast number of functions. What I’m using it is for …

1. To form an online classroom

2. The ability to send and receive class items including:

handouts /quizzes / exams

sound files (mp3) and video files (mp4)

presentation materials

3. Class discussion (forum)

4. Questionnaire

5. A library

What can you do with ?

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1. Form an

online classroom

a. Students can register using

their college email

accounts

b. Can access from home

(flexible)

c. Available 24/7

d. Suits their schedule

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2. The ability to send and receive class items

(file server)files: handouts, quizzes,

exams

sounds (mp3) and

videos (mp4)

presentation materials

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PowerPoint files are

neatly lined up

online, ready to

be presented

by groups

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Students print out

the quiz before the

next class and do it

at home.

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3. Class discussion (forum)

Forum Types

• A single simple discussion

• Each person posts one discussion

• Q and A forum

• Standard forum displayed in a blog-

like format ✔• Standard forum for general use ✔

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4. Questionnaires

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Example of

questionnaire

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When data is all set,

analyze it automatically.

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5. Library

https://lms11.stu.hirosaki-

u.ac.jp/moodle/course/vi

ew.php?id=248

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Customized Online Library 1. the files can be downloaded in PDF

format

2. multiple users can access at one time

3. accessible anytime

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Panda Books

How was using Moodle in English class?(out of 68 respondents in 4 classes—spring, 2016)

21%

40%

29%

1%6% 3%

1 2 3 4 5 6

very easy to use

OK

Some things I didn’t understand

easy to use

many things I didn’t understandhard to use

Can you be more specific? (translated from Japanese input)

Pros

- It came in handy. I can do it in my free time.

- I could do my homework from my smart phone.

- I could check easily what to do for the next class.

- It was easy to preview / review the class.

- Everything I need was on Moodle.

- Speedy updates.

- I could access audio files and listen to the recording on PC.

- Reading and sharing others’ opinions on Moodle was good.

- I could read other students’ writing in English.

Cons

- It was tiring to check Moodle before every class.

- I don’t have PC at home. I don’t have WiFi /Internet at

home.

- Sometimes the audio file was not working.

- It was sometimes hard to see.

- Printing homework on my own was too much work.

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To summarize… you can

Have students grade their quizzes showing it on Moodle

Have students check textbook homework so that you can use

time for activities and discussions

It’s easier to hold outside class discussion using forum

- have students write to each other

- collect students’ PowerPoint files / papers

- make announcements

- get in touch with students before the next class

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@ HIROSAKI UNIVERSITY

http://culture.cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp/EL/Welcome.html

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SALC = Self-Access Learning Center

What is Hirosaki Univ English Lounge?

An English learning center for self-study or

guided-study

A space where students can come practice

and improve their English skills

A place where students can make friends with

Japanese and international students

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The English Lounge Schedule

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What can you do there? (1)

Guided-study

Engage in English conversation with

International and Japanese students

Ask our instructors questions regarding

English learning or the English language

Attend 60 minute classes on various

topics

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Conversation space

Teacher guided conversation

• Participate in natural

conversations

• Join and leave whenever

you want

• Become a better

communicator

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Short Seminars

Short Seminars

• Choose a course that meets your goals

• No homework and no preparation

needed

• Come whenever you have the time

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What can you do there? (2)

Self-study

Do your homework, study or use a

computer

Read or borrow English books

Watch or borrow your favorite movies or

American TV dramas

Practice online materials for

Vocabulary, TOEIC, TOEFL preparation

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Self-studyStudy/read a book

Use a computer

Watch a DVD

Do homework

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Events

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Things you can do outside the class

with LMS and SALC …

Save time for things you want to do in class

e.g. pair work, group work, discussion, presentations, projects, etc.

About flipped class content,

Shari will share her wonderful ideas /advice

with you next!

Thank you for listening!

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