WORLD ENGLISHES
COLLABORATIVE ONLINE INTERNATIONAL LEARNING

研究を始めたきっかけ

I became interested in online learning due to the COVID pandemic. In order to expose my students in Japan to other students in Europe, I engaged in collaborative teaching and learning with two professors from the University College in Denmark and collectively carried out a research on COIL – Collaborative Online International Learning using the SDG topics.

研究概要

This purpose of this research was primarily to educate our students on SDGs and its impact on the world communities. It was also designed to bring students from diveerse cultural background together in an online collaborative learning. The research shares the opportunities and challenges in virtual students’ exchange and collaboration between two teacher training education institutions based in Japan and Denmark.
The study reflects the significant disparities in social, and foreign language development and levels of proficiency between two comparatively wealthy, and developed countries. The subjects had asynchronous but academic interactions through the social media platforms such as Messenger and Line. They were directed to choose and discuss 5 from the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their allocated groups. Presentation of findings took place at the end of the project. 

Findings from the study demonstrate that all the participants had positive experience. Yes, choosing an SNS platform and time zone differences were initially challenging. However, discussions took place after agreements were reached on these two factors. Moreover, cultural differences was a big factor. In most cases, the Japanese students deferred initiatives for discussions to their Danish counterparts. Furthermore, high level of English proficiency of the Danish teams compared to the relatively lower levels of those of their Japanese counterparts exhibited unbalanced discussion time. 

The study produced a number of challenges for teaching, learning and curriculum development. There were variation of interests within the groups with respect to the SDG topics. Moreover, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects need to be integrated into the curriculum of relevant courses and be given adequate guidance by the relevant instructors to facilitate balance in discussion times. The integration of the project will drive students’ motivation and engagement. 

連携できるポイント

As a result of this research, I have presented the research results at the 13^th European Conference on Education (ECE2025) organized by the International Academic Forum (IAFOR) on July 14, 2025, at the University College, London to a great acclaim. 

I am currently discussing on modalities to write a joint paper with my colleagues at the University College of Northern Denmark on the research. 

提供できるシーズまたは支援できる分野

This research has a number of pedagogical implications:

1. PROJECT SUPERVISION
   The course lecturer needs to supervise and lead discussions. This will drive students’ motivation and engagement.  
2. RESEARCH FOCUS
   Research purpose has to be focused, otherwise responses would drag researchers in various directions. 
3. CURRICULUM INTEGRATION
   The project has to be integrated into the curriculum.
4. ADAPTABILITY OF SDG TOPICS
   The project is more suited to some courses than others.

社会的成果または実用化された内容、商品、特許など

This research aroused great interests and discussions in the audience at the IAFOR Conference held at the University College, London on July 14, 2025. 

産学・地域貢献に関する経験・実例及び連携できる団体

There is an on-going collaboration with two professors at the University of Northern Denmark. This University has partnership agreements with Tsuru University.