Masato Kikuchi
Associate Professor of Japanese
- School of Modern Languages
Overview
Dr. Masato Kikuchi is Associate Professor of Japanese in the School of Modern Languages. He received his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh where his research focused on the areas of application of natural language processing techniques such as development and evaluation of intelligent computer-assisted language instruction, discourse/pragmatics processing, and psycholinguistics. He is currently developing a virtual world based learning platform in Second Life, developing content for advanced, content-based Japanese courses in CALL (computer-assisted language learning), translation of technical and business documents.
His latest research/development work focuses on building multi-player Virtual World platform in Second Life that enables language production with visualized feedback. The current VW platform is accessible to general public via SLURL (Sky Platform at EduNation III in SL). This platform is a 3D visualization of subjective construal experience based on SCOBA theory (Schema of a Complete Orienting Basis of an Action).
Currently, the following SL-based VW platform has been designed for the experiments on testing the effectiveness of 3D visualization in language learning to be conducted in the Spring, 2023. (1) Comparing the learning outcomes of immersive 3D-based game and those of conventional 2D-based game in producing transitive/intransitive expressions in Japanese. (2) Comparing the effectiveness of grammar visualization techniques using the subjective construal vs.the objective construal in learning grammar concepts of coming/going, giving/receiving, etc. within a 3D game context.
- Ph.D. 1995, University of Pittsburgh, Intelligent CALI
- M.S. 1982, University of Pittsburgh, Intercultural Communication
- B.A. 1979, International Christian University, Intercultural Communication
Interests
- Instructional Technologies for Foreign Language Acquisition
- Japanese
Focuses:
- Asia (East)
- Intercultural Issues
- Language and Popular Culture
Courses
- JAPN-1001: Elementary Japanese I
- JAPN-1002: Elementary Japanese II
- JAPN-2001: Intermediate Japanese I
- JAPN-2002: Intermediate Japanese II
- JAPN-3001: Advanced Japanese I
- JAPN-3691: Tech & Scientific Japn
- JAPN-4113: Adv Reading & Listening
- JAPN-4123: Tech&Bus Jpn Translation
- JAPN-4173: Anime: Culture&Society
- JAPN-4231: Design Websites in Jpn
- JAPN-4233: Cali Pedagogy for Jpn
- JAPN-4235: 3D RPG Develop. Japn.
- JAPN-4500: Intercultural Seminar
- JAPN-8804: Special Topics
All Publications
Journal Articles
- Pedagogical implications of utilizing NMT as language learning
In: Proceeding of the Thirty-fifth Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese
Date: 2020
- Onrain nihongo ko-su ni okeru akutibiti no kaihatsu [Developing activities for online Japanese courses]
In: Proceedings of the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese
Date: 2005
Conferences
- Pedagogical Implications of Utilizing NMT as Language Learning Activities
In: Proceedings of 35th Annual Conference of Southeastern Association of Teachers of Japanese [Peer Reviewed]
Date: 2020
- 3Dバーチャルワールド教材作成を通して学ぶ日本語コースデザイン (Japanese Language Course Design through 3D Virtual World Content Development)
In: 2019年度日本語教育学会秋季大会予稿集 (Proceedings of Annual Fall Conference of Society for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, 2019) [Peer Reviewed]
Date: December 2019
- Innovative Approach to Teach Japanese Using Virtual World
In: SEATJ Conference Proceedings [Peer Reviewed]
Date: August 2019
Presentations
- Innovative VW Design for Communicative Language Practice
Date: June 2021
- Designing Information Gap Exercise in Web Pages for a Synchronous Online Course (Webinar)
Date: September 2016
NLFRC Webinar. The TED ED lesson for my presentation can be viewed here:
http://ed.ted.com/on/P0Zl7tRL
Internet Publications
- Advanced Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2021
- Intermediate Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2016
Textbook for Online Intermediate Japanese I (JAPN 2001)
- Intermediate Japanese II (Courseware)
Date: 2016
Textbook for Online Intermediate Japanese II (JAPN 2002)
- Elementary Japanese I (Courseware)
Date: 2015
Textbook for both Online and Onground Elementary Japanese I (JAPN 1001)
- Elementary Japanese II (Courseware)
Date: 2015
Textbook for both Online and Onground Elementary Japanese II (JAPN 1002)
Softwares
- VW Platform in Second Life
Date: December 2022
- Understanding Written Japanese I: CD-ROM-based software for Macintosh computers to enhance beginners-level skills in reading authentic Japanese texts. See also the handbook in II-B-1. NTVCS.
Date: 1994
- Understanding Written Japanese I: CD-ROM-based software for Macintosh computers to enhance intermediate/advanced skills in reading authentic Japanese texts. NTVCS.
Date: 1990