The purpose of this project is to design a professional e-portfolio in the form of an interactive... more The purpose of this project is to design a professional e-portfolio in the form of an interactive website that could be potentially accessed by budding entrepreneurs looking to get information to start a 3D-printing based business locally in the Aizu/Fukushima area. 3D printing here is used as a case study to understand how such technical content could be positioned most optimally in a professional context and with maximum impact. This paper outlines a process that leads towards the final design of the website and will focus on the technical writing, design, and usability principles. Adoption of such principles is expected to make the website more interactive and usable in the target situation. This website is geared towards helping anyone who wants to start a new 3D printing business. In this research, we will limit our consideration to help people living in Aizu to revitalise the Aizu area for the 3D printing business. The content in the e-portfolio includes types of 3D printers, ...
Technical communication (TC) as a subject, and more so a department in the university curriculum ... more Technical communication (TC) as a subject, and more so a department in the university curriculum are few and far between in the Japanese educational context, even with STEM education. As part of this paper, an exploratory pilot study is described explaining the overall importance of such a TC certificate program and how an optional TC feeder course could help students understand the value of the TC and professional communication (PC) discipline for a typical Japanese computer science academic context, in preparation for the job market. Further, such a TC-focused introductory feeder course helps the university administration, students and teachers better understand how computer science as a discipline should also emphasize on technical and professional writing and communication skills in the language curriculum, for better project management, and helping students develop soft skills for the market. Further, another strong argument for such coursework (offered in English as a medium of instruction) is also related to developing students' entrepreneurial and transition skills for the market. This paper highlighted on one such rare certificate program and feeder course in the computer science (CS) department of a Japanese technical university which helped students understand the scope of the market, how technical communication as a discipline has wide-ranging opportunities, besides helping students develop basic understanding of content areas such as manual and information design, usability, content management and delivery, technical language, visualisation etc. Finally, the paper ends with a discussion of a few of the well-known TC certificate programs and TC organizational infrastructure in the US academia, and how we can catch up with that trend in Japanese higher education.
Japanese universities are in a difficult situation as they struggle to enroll more foreigners and... more Japanese universities are in a difficult situation as they struggle to enroll more foreigners and internationalize the student body and the campus environment. One important aspect of such internationalization is to prepare students for a global workplace with adequate corporate awareness and exposure. This paper discussed the broad plan outline for using multimedia-based blended learning content to develop a globalized mindset in an English language research center in a technical university with both product-based knowledge dissemination, and intercultural and organizational communication perspectives. The paper discussed an introductory LMS-based assignment to expose students to the Silicon Valley culture with multimedia, online text readings and intensive and animated in-class lecture. The idea was to explore how students react to the Silicon Valley (SV) culture with an intensive first shot multi-modal stimulation with YouTube videos, infographics and online text as an input. Initial student reactions suggest that the SV impresses upon a relatively positive mindset that should be further pursued and nurtured. Written reactions from students in LMS-based forum indicated a willingness to work in the Silicon Valley, and expand on their imagination as to what such international environment offers.
Research has shown that spatial reasoning is strongly affected by spatial lexicons used in the la... more Research has shown that spatial reasoning is strongly affected by spatial lexicons used in the language. However, there is hardly any research on how spatial lexicon-screenshot combinations work for procedural tasks in English user manualsfor non-native speakers. This article ...
Research has traditionally supported the use of a text-graphics instructional base as an eficient... more Research has traditionally supported the use of a text-graphics instructional base as an eficient way of demonstrating procedural graphics. The use of text with structural and functional information for understanding process .graphics has been largely emphasized. Also, for proper ...
The rampant urbanization across the world is forcing city planners to be more innovative and crea... more The rampant urbanization across the world is forcing city planners to be more innovative and creative with technology in how limited resources and amenities are used. Smart homes (SH) technology is one such use. Until now, this has not been a subject for study in the language curriculum, and more so, not as part of the EFL curriculum. This paper discussed a model project-based language learning (PBLL) coursework on SH offered as part of foreign language coursework in a computer science university in Japan in collaboration with a German technical university. This course is aimed at developing students' ability for information comprehension, data analysis, note-taking, summarization, speaking, video design, technical presentations, and poster design, all in English. The paper is a case study on how to make such technical writing/communication courses interesting and engaging for students who see the technology side of a smart city design context but do not necessarily see through the human side of the urban design and usability. This paper is aimed at helping language practitioners offer language courses using a soft-CLIL model that focuses on design thinking, urban planning, language acquisition, and project management all as a package in the pedagogical design, as is often necessary for industrial projects. The idea is to help language practitioners offer coursework that has societal relevance and transfer skills in-built, and is just not focused on language elements in isolation, but develops project management and communication skills as well.
This project highlights collaboration between two technical universities from Japan and Germany. ... more This project highlights collaboration between two technical universities from Japan and Germany. This technical communication project showcased collaboration between graduate students at a premier German university and primarily undergraduate students in a Japanese computer science university. As part of English language coursework, the university students in Japan completed assignments related to 3D printing and information design, and then coordinated with the German students who took the content of the assignments from the Japanese students and did ontology and metadata modeling towards creating a content delivery portal. Team processes included collaborative writing, web-conferencing and shared brainstorming. For the Japanese students, this was a wonderful opportunity to develop English language proficiency, project management skills and intercultural communication ability. 9 students participated from each side. This entire semester-wide project ended with a week-long conference at the University of Aizu, where the student groups further collaborated in an intercultural setting with many faculty members and students in workshops, presentations, and exhibitions. Student comments suggested that they were satisfied with the experience and achievements. This paper explained how the project was handled, the processes, resulting outcomes and made suggestions for future project planning.
The primary research question in this paper revolved around the logistics and feasibility of usin... more The primary research question in this paper revolved around the logistics and feasibility of using iPad to perform the processes related to 3D scanning, design and technical documentation for task-based English language learning in a non-native classroom environment. The project discussed the use of IPads to scan a physical object using iSense scanners, use CAD software apps to innovate on the design, upload it in Cubify design feed repository, perform rapid prototyping, and then send it off to the Cubify 3D printer. During this entire process, students are expected to use Google Drive app to write design specifications and short technical reports, use concept-mapping app to draw product design blueprints, and illustrate idea sketches for usability studies using the iPad. We used a pilot study and experiment to analyze the feasibility and logistics of the proposed course design. Preliminary observations from this pilot study suggested that iPads could be used effectively and seamlessly to integrate the technology and the technical documentation processes. This pedagogical model is likely to help us teach innovative technical communication courses.
In this article, I argue for the importance of using specific kinds of concept maps, such as ladd... more In this article, I argue for the importance of using specific kinds of concept maps, such as ladders, in a technical writing class offered for computer science majors. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be effectively integrated both during planning stages and as part of traditional document production techniques. Assignments and activities in a
The paper attempts to make a case for how students' entrepreneurial skills could be improved ... more The paper attempts to make a case for how students' entrepreneurial skills could be improved effectively by improving their ability to put together technical presentations on complex topics, by using a variety of ICT tools. This paper discussed a graduate-level English language learning course offered in a technical university in Japan where 13 students presented on a variety of technical topics to persuade, demonstrate and explain procedures related to technology or technical matters, including their own skillset in getting job in the technology market. Based on specific guidance including assignment instructions, peer-review, in-class interactions, and instant feedback, students developed skills that could be used in a workplace context to showcase important concepts and data. The course further makes a case for allowing students more formal opportunities for technical presentations and use of ICT, that are likely to increase their confidence levels, think about complex constructs, take decisions, and represent information reasonably well in a text-graphics visual environment.
Task-based language teaching has been claimed to be an effective way to promote second language a... more Task-based language teaching has been claimed to be an effective way to promote second language acquisition. This paper reports on the process of developing a task-based English-as-a-Foreign-Language curriculum in a Japanese computer science university. 38 tasks, which language education experts perceived as important, were re-evaluated by computer science experts via an online needs analysis survey with the goal of selecting target tasks for first- and second-year English courses. The results indicate that there are both similarities and discrepancies in the perception of task importance between English and computer science faculty members. A qualitative analysis of comments from computer science professors illuminates the logic behind their judgements about the needs of teaching particular tasks. The cooperation between language and content experts is indispensable in the development of the curriculum of English for science and technology; it allows for synthesis of a variety of viewpoints and development of a stronger English curriculum.
This article highlighted an important project-based language learning case study in a Japanese te... more This article highlighted an important project-based language learning case study in a Japanese technical university. The idea of the project was to create a creative factory classroom with computer-aided design (CAD) design and 3D scanning-based activities leading up to the 3D printing of products. The focus of the course was on both technical design and technical writing and presentation in a realistic work context. Students not only learned how to use different CAD software and 3D scanning apps, they also had to continuously engage in technical writing, online information management and presentation, working collaboratively both for individual and team-based activities. Data from course-related activities and self-reports indicated reasonable proficiency with the assignments, and reasonable ability to work with strict Schoology-based assignment instructions. Self-reports indicated relatively high levels of motivation and reasonable comfort with course activities. Recommendations for future study highlighted a more integrated and balanced course structure focused on both language learning and information and communication technology (ICT) tools.
Website analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy a... more Website analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy and language competence (Brugger, 2009). Website analysis in an EFL learning context has the potential to facilitate logical thinking and in the process develop functional language proficiency. This study reported on an English language website (http://www.travelbelize.org/) analysis experiment carried out for three weeks as an in-class and homework activity in a third year (junior) level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course at a Japanese technical university. The purpose was to explore EFL learners' ability to analyze an English language website and produce concrete design responses in English. During the first week of the analysis (involving sixteen students selected due to performing the best during earlier in-class website analysis activities on the course), participants produced their own responses to eight openended design questions about the website. The second week of the analysis (involving all 59 students on the course) tested the students' ability to search for information from the website, and recorded their impressions about the website design based on standard usability questionnaires (CSUQ, QUIS, and MPRC). The third week of the analysis had the 59 students self-report on their use of meta-cognitive reading strategies (MARSI 1.0 Questionnaire) during the website analysis. The results of the questionnaires showed that, overall, the EFL students had a basic understanding of major design questions related to information organization, screen interface design, audience, technology used, etc. However, there was statistically significant variability between responses in different groups (comprehensive evaluation, webpage design, terminology and website information and website capabilities) and the respondents were not unanimous in their impressions about the website. The result of the student self-reports on metacognitive reading strategies showed wide acceptability and use of problem-solving strategies.
Abstract In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced techni... more Abstract In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced technical reading class offered for computer science students. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be inte grated effectively with traditional document ...
Technical illustrations are important for understanding spatial positions in a 2D environment. Th... more Technical illustrations are important for understanding spatial positions in a 2D environment. This paper demonstrates that illustrations that show a performer's point of view (body-centered and seen as following the performer from the perspective of the performer's body) is equally easy or difficult to mentally animate and visualize when compared to spectator's point of view (object-centered seen as facing the audience directly). Specifically, it is difficult to perform mental animation for spatial movement of body positions from text-based explanations only. The paper argues that canonical viewpoints (allow viewers to see several surfaces of objects simultaneously) and those across the display plane (views that allow important parts of the objects to be visible) could be easier to comprehend when compared to viewpoints into the display plane (views that obscure important parts of objects). However, an optimal combination of camera angles, type and complexity of the task, body positions shown, and individual's ability for mental rotation are important indicators of how a task could be perceived based on 2D visualization.
International Conference on Web-based Education, Mar 17, 2008
STRUCTURED AUTHORING OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC USE OF OPEN-SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES De... more STRUCTURED AUTHORING OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC USE OF OPEN-SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES Debopriyo Roy ELearning and Usability Laboratory Centre for Language Research University of Aizu [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper ...
The purpose of this project is to design a professional e-portfolio in the form of an interactive... more The purpose of this project is to design a professional e-portfolio in the form of an interactive website that could be potentially accessed by budding entrepreneurs looking to get information to start a 3D-printing based business locally in the Aizu/Fukushima area. 3D printing here is used as a case study to understand how such technical content could be positioned most optimally in a professional context and with maximum impact. This paper outlines a process that leads towards the final design of the website and will focus on the technical writing, design, and usability principles. Adoption of such principles is expected to make the website more interactive and usable in the target situation. This website is geared towards helping anyone who wants to start a new 3D printing business. In this research, we will limit our consideration to help people living in Aizu to revitalise the Aizu area for the 3D printing business. The content in the e-portfolio includes types of 3D printers, ...
Technical communication (TC) as a subject, and more so a department in the university curriculum ... more Technical communication (TC) as a subject, and more so a department in the university curriculum are few and far between in the Japanese educational context, even with STEM education. As part of this paper, an exploratory pilot study is described explaining the overall importance of such a TC certificate program and how an optional TC feeder course could help students understand the value of the TC and professional communication (PC) discipline for a typical Japanese computer science academic context, in preparation for the job market. Further, such a TC-focused introductory feeder course helps the university administration, students and teachers better understand how computer science as a discipline should also emphasize on technical and professional writing and communication skills in the language curriculum, for better project management, and helping students develop soft skills for the market. Further, another strong argument for such coursework (offered in English as a medium of instruction) is also related to developing students' entrepreneurial and transition skills for the market. This paper highlighted on one such rare certificate program and feeder course in the computer science (CS) department of a Japanese technical university which helped students understand the scope of the market, how technical communication as a discipline has wide-ranging opportunities, besides helping students develop basic understanding of content areas such as manual and information design, usability, content management and delivery, technical language, visualisation etc. Finally, the paper ends with a discussion of a few of the well-known TC certificate programs and TC organizational infrastructure in the US academia, and how we can catch up with that trend in Japanese higher education.
Japanese universities are in a difficult situation as they struggle to enroll more foreigners and... more Japanese universities are in a difficult situation as they struggle to enroll more foreigners and internationalize the student body and the campus environment. One important aspect of such internationalization is to prepare students for a global workplace with adequate corporate awareness and exposure. This paper discussed the broad plan outline for using multimedia-based blended learning content to develop a globalized mindset in an English language research center in a technical university with both product-based knowledge dissemination, and intercultural and organizational communication perspectives. The paper discussed an introductory LMS-based assignment to expose students to the Silicon Valley culture with multimedia, online text readings and intensive and animated in-class lecture. The idea was to explore how students react to the Silicon Valley (SV) culture with an intensive first shot multi-modal stimulation with YouTube videos, infographics and online text as an input. Initial student reactions suggest that the SV impresses upon a relatively positive mindset that should be further pursued and nurtured. Written reactions from students in LMS-based forum indicated a willingness to work in the Silicon Valley, and expand on their imagination as to what such international environment offers.
Research has shown that spatial reasoning is strongly affected by spatial lexicons used in the la... more Research has shown that spatial reasoning is strongly affected by spatial lexicons used in the language. However, there is hardly any research on how spatial lexicon-screenshot combinations work for procedural tasks in English user manualsfor non-native speakers. This article ...
Research has traditionally supported the use of a text-graphics instructional base as an eficient... more Research has traditionally supported the use of a text-graphics instructional base as an eficient way of demonstrating procedural graphics. The use of text with structural and functional information for understanding process .graphics has been largely emphasized. Also, for proper ...
The rampant urbanization across the world is forcing city planners to be more innovative and crea... more The rampant urbanization across the world is forcing city planners to be more innovative and creative with technology in how limited resources and amenities are used. Smart homes (SH) technology is one such use. Until now, this has not been a subject for study in the language curriculum, and more so, not as part of the EFL curriculum. This paper discussed a model project-based language learning (PBLL) coursework on SH offered as part of foreign language coursework in a computer science university in Japan in collaboration with a German technical university. This course is aimed at developing students' ability for information comprehension, data analysis, note-taking, summarization, speaking, video design, technical presentations, and poster design, all in English. The paper is a case study on how to make such technical writing/communication courses interesting and engaging for students who see the technology side of a smart city design context but do not necessarily see through the human side of the urban design and usability. This paper is aimed at helping language practitioners offer language courses using a soft-CLIL model that focuses on design thinking, urban planning, language acquisition, and project management all as a package in the pedagogical design, as is often necessary for industrial projects. The idea is to help language practitioners offer coursework that has societal relevance and transfer skills in-built, and is just not focused on language elements in isolation, but develops project management and communication skills as well.
This project highlights collaboration between two technical universities from Japan and Germany. ... more This project highlights collaboration between two technical universities from Japan and Germany. This technical communication project showcased collaboration between graduate students at a premier German university and primarily undergraduate students in a Japanese computer science university. As part of English language coursework, the university students in Japan completed assignments related to 3D printing and information design, and then coordinated with the German students who took the content of the assignments from the Japanese students and did ontology and metadata modeling towards creating a content delivery portal. Team processes included collaborative writing, web-conferencing and shared brainstorming. For the Japanese students, this was a wonderful opportunity to develop English language proficiency, project management skills and intercultural communication ability. 9 students participated from each side. This entire semester-wide project ended with a week-long conference at the University of Aizu, where the student groups further collaborated in an intercultural setting with many faculty members and students in workshops, presentations, and exhibitions. Student comments suggested that they were satisfied with the experience and achievements. This paper explained how the project was handled, the processes, resulting outcomes and made suggestions for future project planning.
The primary research question in this paper revolved around the logistics and feasibility of usin... more The primary research question in this paper revolved around the logistics and feasibility of using iPad to perform the processes related to 3D scanning, design and technical documentation for task-based English language learning in a non-native classroom environment. The project discussed the use of IPads to scan a physical object using iSense scanners, use CAD software apps to innovate on the design, upload it in Cubify design feed repository, perform rapid prototyping, and then send it off to the Cubify 3D printer. During this entire process, students are expected to use Google Drive app to write design specifications and short technical reports, use concept-mapping app to draw product design blueprints, and illustrate idea sketches for usability studies using the iPad. We used a pilot study and experiment to analyze the feasibility and logistics of the proposed course design. Preliminary observations from this pilot study suggested that iPads could be used effectively and seamlessly to integrate the technology and the technical documentation processes. This pedagogical model is likely to help us teach innovative technical communication courses.
In this article, I argue for the importance of using specific kinds of concept maps, such as ladd... more In this article, I argue for the importance of using specific kinds of concept maps, such as ladders, in a technical writing class offered for computer science majors. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be effectively integrated both during planning stages and as part of traditional document production techniques. Assignments and activities in a
The paper attempts to make a case for how students' entrepreneurial skills could be improved ... more The paper attempts to make a case for how students' entrepreneurial skills could be improved effectively by improving their ability to put together technical presentations on complex topics, by using a variety of ICT tools. This paper discussed a graduate-level English language learning course offered in a technical university in Japan where 13 students presented on a variety of technical topics to persuade, demonstrate and explain procedures related to technology or technical matters, including their own skillset in getting job in the technology market. Based on specific guidance including assignment instructions, peer-review, in-class interactions, and instant feedback, students developed skills that could be used in a workplace context to showcase important concepts and data. The course further makes a case for allowing students more formal opportunities for technical presentations and use of ICT, that are likely to increase their confidence levels, think about complex constructs, take decisions, and represent information reasonably well in a text-graphics visual environment.
Task-based language teaching has been claimed to be an effective way to promote second language a... more Task-based language teaching has been claimed to be an effective way to promote second language acquisition. This paper reports on the process of developing a task-based English-as-a-Foreign-Language curriculum in a Japanese computer science university. 38 tasks, which language education experts perceived as important, were re-evaluated by computer science experts via an online needs analysis survey with the goal of selecting target tasks for first- and second-year English courses. The results indicate that there are both similarities and discrepancies in the perception of task importance between English and computer science faculty members. A qualitative analysis of comments from computer science professors illuminates the logic behind their judgements about the needs of teaching particular tasks. The cooperation between language and content experts is indispensable in the development of the curriculum of English for science and technology; it allows for synthesis of a variety of viewpoints and development of a stronger English curriculum.
This article highlighted an important project-based language learning case study in a Japanese te... more This article highlighted an important project-based language learning case study in a Japanese technical university. The idea of the project was to create a creative factory classroom with computer-aided design (CAD) design and 3D scanning-based activities leading up to the 3D printing of products. The focus of the course was on both technical design and technical writing and presentation in a realistic work context. Students not only learned how to use different CAD software and 3D scanning apps, they also had to continuously engage in technical writing, online information management and presentation, working collaboratively both for individual and team-based activities. Data from course-related activities and self-reports indicated reasonable proficiency with the assignments, and reasonable ability to work with strict Schoology-based assignment instructions. Self-reports indicated relatively high levels of motivation and reasonable comfort with course activities. Recommendations for future study highlighted a more integrated and balanced course structure focused on both language learning and information and communication technology (ICT) tools.
Website analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy a... more Website analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy and language competence (Brugger, 2009). Website analysis in an EFL learning context has the potential to facilitate logical thinking and in the process develop functional language proficiency. This study reported on an English language website (http://www.travelbelize.org/) analysis experiment carried out for three weeks as an in-class and homework activity in a third year (junior) level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course at a Japanese technical university. The purpose was to explore EFL learners' ability to analyze an English language website and produce concrete design responses in English. During the first week of the analysis (involving sixteen students selected due to performing the best during earlier in-class website analysis activities on the course), participants produced their own responses to eight openended design questions about the website. The second week of the analysis (involving all 59 students on the course) tested the students' ability to search for information from the website, and recorded their impressions about the website design based on standard usability questionnaires (CSUQ, QUIS, and MPRC). The third week of the analysis had the 59 students self-report on their use of meta-cognitive reading strategies (MARSI 1.0 Questionnaire) during the website analysis. The results of the questionnaires showed that, overall, the EFL students had a basic understanding of major design questions related to information organization, screen interface design, audience, technology used, etc. However, there was statistically significant variability between responses in different groups (comprehensive evaluation, webpage design, terminology and website information and website capabilities) and the respondents were not unanimous in their impressions about the website. The result of the student self-reports on metacognitive reading strategies showed wide acceptability and use of problem-solving strategies.
Abstract In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced techni... more Abstract In this article, we argue for the importance of using concept maps in an advanced technical reading class offered for computer science students. This article presents a strong argument that use of concept maps should be inte grated effectively with traditional document ...
Technical illustrations are important for understanding spatial positions in a 2D environment. Th... more Technical illustrations are important for understanding spatial positions in a 2D environment. This paper demonstrates that illustrations that show a performer's point of view (body-centered and seen as following the performer from the perspective of the performer's body) is equally easy or difficult to mentally animate and visualize when compared to spectator's point of view (object-centered seen as facing the audience directly). Specifically, it is difficult to perform mental animation for spatial movement of body positions from text-based explanations only. The paper argues that canonical viewpoints (allow viewers to see several surfaces of objects simultaneously) and those across the display plane (views that allow important parts of the objects to be visible) could be easier to comprehend when compared to viewpoints into the display plane (views that obscure important parts of objects). However, an optimal combination of camera angles, type and complexity of the task, body positions shown, and individual's ability for mental rotation are important indicators of how a task could be perceived based on 2D visualization.
International Conference on Web-based Education, Mar 17, 2008
STRUCTURED AUTHORING OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC USE OF OPEN-SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES De... more STRUCTURED AUTHORING OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS THROUGH SYSTEMATIC USE OF OPEN-SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES Debopriyo Roy ELearning and Usability Laboratory Centre for Language Research University of Aizu [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper ...
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