Makoto Netsu
Visiting Advisory Lecturer
The Japan Foundation Sydney Language Centre
Using the Internet in language classrooms provides teachers with a wealth of materials and resources, and gives learners strong motivation to study the language in order to communicate directly with Japanese people. However, some teachers may feel reluctant to use the Internet in Japanese because of problems with processing the Japanese script, computer literacy or language proficiency. There are numerous examples of Internet use for Japanese language learning particularly at tertiary level, but there is as yet little research on its use at primary and secondary levels. In order to investigate the current situation, the JFSLC has conducted a survey on the use of the Internet by primary and secondary teachers in Australia. Based on our identification of problems and areas of need, we plan to create suitable courses and programs to assist teachers in the effective use of the Internet for Japanese language classes. Further, we hope to incorporate in these programs models of use based on a constructivist approach.