Developing Language and Teaching Skills through Videoconferencing and Collaborative Projects : A Case Study of English Teacher Training Programs in Japan

摘要

This case study explores the effect of videoconferencing in English teacher training and how it can be implemented to strengthen language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and teaching　techniques. Videoconferences were incorporated into the teacher training class as an extension of microteaching. Sixteen videoconferences were conducted with five collaborating institutions: Vienna and Budapest Japanese Schools, Budapest Public High School, University of Hawaii, and University of Guam. Student teachers gathered information on a topic related to the regional culture, created reading materials and slides, and prepared for live microteaching and show-and-tell sessions. The findings indicate that the participants considered the interactive experience extremely rewarding and motivating for improving language, communication skills, teaching and presentation techniques, content materials, and cultural awareness.