Monthly Get-Togethers
Monthly Get-Togethers
ACCESS FORUM:
Voices from Educators in Japan
July 18, 2026, 13:00~17:00
Notre Dame Seishin University
Brought to you by Okayama JALT and JALT's
Accessibility in Language Learning (ALL) SIG
This mini conference focuses on accessibility in education, with particular attention to the experiences of educators with disabilities in Japan.
The event aims to raise awareness of barriers faced by educators and share practical strategies for inclusive teaching and workplace support. We would like to encourage dialogue between teachers, institutions, and the wider community to help promote inclusive practices that benefit both educators and students. Everyone is welcome.
Topics include: how inclusion shapes compassion; teacher training experiences; the 2025 Global Disability Summit in Berlin; and more. Presentations will be in English and Japanese (translation available).
More information is available at:
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“AI, Education, and the Unknown: A Guided Discussion for Today’s Teachers"
Aubra and Andrew Bulin
Saturday, 21 February, 15:00-17:00 at Notre Dame Seishin University
Overview
Artificial Intelligence is moving into classrooms faster than many educators anticipated, and while its long‑term effects remain uncertain, early signs suggest it could meaningfully influence how students learn, create, and interact with information. This session—led by a Security Engineer and a Professor—offers a grounded yet urgent exploration of the possibilities, risks, and unanswered questions surrounding AI’s expanding role in education. Rather than delivering fixed conclusions, the talk will adapt dynamically to participants’ questions and concerns, creating a space to examine emerging opportunities, potential challenges around privacy, equity, and academic integrity, and ways teachers might maintain a human‑centered learning environment amid rapid technological change.
Presenter Bios
Aubra Bio: Aubra Bulin, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Academic English in the Discovery Program for Global Learners at Okayama University. She teaches multiple levels of academic English and has researched online education and EdTech since 2017. Her current KAKENHI-funded project examines AI Anxiety among faculty. Recent JALT International Conference presentations include “Demystifying AI: Practical Integration for Faculty” (2025) and “I Am Not a Robot: Teaching Soft Skills in Language Classes” (2024). In 2025, she completed a two-year collaborative Erasmus project developing AI training materials for faculty with colleagues in Japan and France.
Andrew Bio: Andrew Bulin is a software engineer and infrastructure architect at GMO Flatt Security in Shibuya, Tokyo, where he works on a product team integrating LLMs into security tools. He also runs his own consulting firm, Cybertooth Systems, providing data infrastructure services. Andrew began programming as a teenager and has since worked at SoftLayer (IBM) and Amazon Web Services before moving to Japan and taking on his current role. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology, which informs his approach to critical thinking, decision-making, and technology ethics. Andrew also values team building and mentorship, actively supporting junior engineers in his organization.
DATE: Saturday, 21 February, 15:00~17:00
PLACE: NDSU Joseph Hall International Communication Center
COST: FREE for JALT members; ¥1000 for friends (Please sign up with QR code or link below)
https://forms.gle/w54HV865u57d9yLu5
Thank you for your support!
“New Year, New Connections” with Okayama JALT This Saturday, 31 January, 15:00-17:00 at Notre Dame Seishin University
Join us for a lively afternoon of food, drinks, and interactive networking. Forget long speeches; come meet your officers through fun activities and help shape our vision for the year ahead.
Whether you want to learn how to join our team or simply socialize with fellow educators, come discover how you can get involved. Let’s toast to a fresh start in language teaching!
We’ll have fun, games, and snacks!
DATE: Saturday, 31 January, 15:00~17:00
PLACE: NDSU Joseph Hall International Communication Center
COST: FREE for all (Please sign up with link below)
https://forms.gle/vKNCaH2RbqFWuzgFA
Thank you for your support!
Presenter/Attendee Sign-Up
https://forms.gle/YAvKYASuww4qSS176
No formal presentation preparation is required. Just bring your ideas and questions.
Please help us by signing up so that we can submit a participant list to the venue by Friday, 19 September
DATE: Saturday, 20 September, 15:00~17:00
PLACE: Notre Dame Seishin University, Joseph Hall International Communication Center (NOTE: this is a late room change)
COST: FREE for JALT members and presenters, ¥1000 for others
RSVP: 19 September; sign up by URL or QR code
Thank you for your support!
Okayama JALT Research and Teaching Showcase
DATE: Saturday, 22 February, 15:00~17:00
PLACE: NDSU Trinity Hall, 5th floor room 53
(their NEW BUILDING!)
COST: FREE for JALT members & 1st time visitors, others ¥1000
Poster Presenter Sign-Up
https://forms.gle/n1FZyemQrHFHTZDr7
Attendee Sign-Up
December 17th 15:00~ 17:00
(GMT+9) Japan Standard Time
Robert will talk about issues related to pronunciation in the EIL Classroom, such as international intelligibility and L1 identity. It should be a great session.
Afterward, we will have a discussion session and a chance to review educational materials.
Take care and see you there!
October 29th 15:00~ 17:00
(GMT+9) Japan Standard Time
September 24th 15:00~ 17:00
(GMT+9) Japan Standard Time