Jun-ichi Yamanishi

Effective Collaborative Work Utilising Videoconferencing

Since September 1991 the Japanese Studies Project has linked twenty schools in Northern Ireland with schools in Japan. The videoconference links proved to be interesting and extremely motivating for the students involved, but it was recognised that a more structured approach would be required in order for all parties to obtain maximum benefit from the links. After considerable discussion it was decided that we should create a collaborative assignment which would require students in both countries to utilise as many skills as they could, in order to communicate effectively and to learn something about each other’s culture.