Establishing Online Synchronous Support for Self-Access Language Learning

This paper explores expanding a self-access language learning desk online. In 2017, Osaka University’s Center for International Affairs expanded its Language Support Desk to allow students from different campuses to access its services via online synchronous language support sessions that mimic the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shawn Andersson, Maho Nakahashi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kanda University of International Studies 2019-12-01
Series:Studies in Self-Access Learning Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://sisaljournal.org/archives/dec19/andersson_nakahashi/
Description
Summary:This paper explores expanding a self-access language learning desk online. In 2017, Osaka University’s Center for International Affairs expanded its Language Support Desk to allow students from different campuses to access its services via online synchronous language support sessions that mimic the in-person ones. While there is an abundance of resources available to students online through online writing labs and online writing centers, most of these services only consist of reference materials with no option for advising or language teaching. Furthermore, the few universities that offer language learning services usually implement an asynchronous system through a delayed medium such as email. In this paper, we describe the implementation of online sessions at Osaka Unversity and highlight issues and opportunities for the future based on our experience and observations.
ISSN:2185-3762