Outline of the JOINT Program

JOINT (Japanese On-line Instruction Network for Teachers) is a program of online instruction and training specifically designed for the professional development of Japanese language teachers currently working in schools and colleges in the United States. The program was developed and is offered by the Alliance of Associations of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ).

The first JOINT course, Content-Based Instruction for Advanced Japanese, was conducted twice in 2008-2009. Click here for more information about that course.

The second JOINT course, Maximizing the Effectiveness of Your Advanced High School Japanesse Course, was conducted in Fall 2009. Click here for more information about that course.

The third JOINT course, Enhancing Your Reading Strategies and Teaching Skills, is being conducted in Spring 2010. Enrollment is now closed. Click here for more information about that course.

The fourth JOINT course, Basic Concepts of Japanese Language Teaching, will being conducted between September 27 and November 7, 2010. Click here for more information about that course.

New courses being developed include:

Teaching Business Japanese (to be offered Spring 2011)

Using Technology in the Japanese Language Classroom (to be offered Summer 2011)

Assessment in the Japanese Language Classroom

Teaching Culture in the Language Classroom

Understanding and Working in the American Educational System

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Description of JOINT Courses: Courses in the JOINT program typically take place over a 6-week period which includes a technology orientation and extra time for project work. The courses are a mix of working on one’s own and interacting in pairs and with the class in real-time online video conferencing. Participants work on assigned readings and lectures independently and also engage in collaborative learning, working in pairs or groups that include both native and non-native-speaking teachers. Assignments and evaluations are individualized to accommodate the differing needs of the participants. Participants will have an opportunity to share the materials they create with the broader Japanese language education community after the end of the course.

Courses are taught by experts in Japanese language education and facilitated by experts in online instruction and Web 2.0 technologies.

Costs to participants are low, ranging from $50 to $100 per course. Two or 3 units of graduate credit from the University of Colorado are available to participants who wish to earn credit, at an additional cost to the participant of $50 - $60 per credit. Certificates of course completion are given to all participants by the Alliance of Associations of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ).

Required Technical Background for Participants: Participants should be familiar with basic Internet features such as looking for information, reading online materials, downloading materials, sending and receiving emails, and online chatting. Experience with using Skype (voice and/or webcam) and a collaborative writing tool such as Google Docs or wiki would be a plus. A fast Internet connection (Ethernet or wireless) will be needed to work on various online activities. Modem connection is not recommended. Participants who do not have a webcam and microphone built into their computers will need to purchase one for course participation (the cost for this equipment is usually less than $25).

How to Sign Up for JOINT Courses: If you are interested in participating in one or more of the online courses that are offered, please complete this online application form or follow the links on the course page for the topic in which you are interested to submit an application. You will be contacted about the availability of the course.

The Alliance is grateful to the following organizations for financial support of the JOINT program: the Japan Foundation, the Shoyu Club, the US-Japan Foundation, and the Toshiba International Foundation.