Japanese Fundamentals 3
ようこそ！Welcome!
Welcome to Japanese Fundamentals 3! My name is Ikuko Fujiwara, and I am the instructor of this course.
Here is my diversity statement to show my commitment to creating an equitable learning environment.
About This Website
This website is a Japanese Fundamentals 3 syllabus and will provide you with everything you need to know about this course. If the syllabus does not answer all of your questions, please email me and I would be happy to answer them or update this website. Please click on the link below for the course description, objectives, and prerequisites.
How This Course Works
This is a 8-week online class that meets via Zoom once a week for 1 hour.
We will use the same Zoom link for all 8 lessons. The link will be sent to you in our welcome email, and also in our weekly reminder emails.
All sessions will be recorded and a link to access the recording will be emailed to you after each class.
There is no textbook for this course. Weekly materials for each lesson will be emailed to you.
You will receive two emails every week 1) a reminder email with the class link and class preview, and 2) a post-class email with a link to class recording and reflection form, updated lesson slides, and homework info.
All homework assignments are optional (see below for more details) and there is no grade or pass/fail assigned in this course.
At the end of the course, you may request for a Certificate of Participation if you attend 6 or more live sessions.
Essential Online Tools
As this is a synchronous online class (a class we meet live virtually), please make sure that you have a device with audio and video capabilities, as well as an internet connection. Here are the three essential online tools we will use in this class:
Zoom: We will use the same link for all 8 sessions. The link to class will be sent to you in our welcome email but also in our weekly reminder email.
Flip (https://info.flip.com/) : We will use Flip (video discussion app) for homework assignments. You will record an audio or video and submit it on Flip. I will send you a link to join our Flip class.
Google Forms for reflection/feedback: We will use Google Forms to reflect on your learning after every class. A link will be provided to you at the end of the class and in the post-class email. This google form also includes questions that will help me plan future lessons.
Weekly Homework
All homework assignments for this course are optional, but strongly encouraged. They are meant for you to review, practice, and check your understanding of the topics covered in class.
Flip (https://info.flip.com/) : Flip is a video discussion App, where you record and submit an audio or video about the topics covered. I will send you a link to join our Flip class (you do not need to download the app if you prefer not to). Also, if you prefer, you are welcome to submit your assignments in written forms via email.
This Class is About You
Your Learning is My Teaching
As much as I possibly can, I would like to make this class to be about you. I will be asking a lot of questions throughout the sessions to get to know you and to understand what you're looking for in this course. Please consider joining each session a little early so we can spend some time getting to know each other. I do not hold any office hours, but I will open the zoom class 15 minutes before class, and also leave the class open 15 minutes after class in case you have any immediate questions, or simply would like to stay to chat.
Many Forms of Participation
This class respects and honors all learning styles, preferences, and spaces. Participation can take many forms. Maybe you feel you learn best through interactions and actively participating. Or perhaps you are like me who likes to listen and digest first before participating in the discussion. Maybe you just had a busy day, and you would rather just listen in. I would like you to choose a learning mode that works for you. Please consider trying different approaches to see what your preferences might be for the day. Here are some participation guidelines I would like you to follow during class:
Please leave your mic muted during the lesson unless you have a question or you are participating in an activity. Turning your camera on during class is optional for you.
You can respond and communicate through chat box, mics, or any other modes you prefer during class (instructor’s response time will vary depending on the chosen mode)
Please raise and leave your virtual hands up when you are open to answering questions and speaking up in class (function found on reaction).
Reflection Form
The reflection form is an important element to make this course unique and meaningful. After every lesson, you will be asked to submit a reflection form that includes questions about your understanding and satisfaction of the lesson. You can also use this form to ask any questions about the content of the lesson. The form also asks questions that will help me customize and plan future lessons.
For Any Questions and Concerns
Contact information of the instructors will be included in our welcome email.
The most efficient way to reach me is email: ikuko@jasdfw.org. I will respond to all questions within 48 hours (please give me additional time if there's a weekend in between).
You may also submit your questions in the weekly reflection form especially if the question is related to the content of the lesson. I will make sure to incorporate your questions in future lessons.
If there is an emergency and you do not hear from me right away, please email our other instructors, who may be able to get in touch with me for you. Contact information of all of the instructors will be included in our welcome email.