That’s right, classes were pushed to April 20 and we will officially start it online. We will be doing it for a month and see how the corona virus situation develops. We are all working really hard to make sure we can offer good classes to our students. Many faculty members are running workshops and getting together (online) to discuss and learn how to use new tools and adapt their activities.
Category: News
Getting ready for spring semester
One week for the beginning of the semester, and we are all in a mix of excitement and apprehension because of the novel coronavirus. This March has been very dynamic: we have shortened our graduation ceremony and now just canceled the entrance ceremony. Although things are changing fast, one thing is certain: we have to be keep all options on the table.
Second year of the ARC program
One month into the new year, and students are already making use of the ARC. Our assistant is working hard on the new TOEIC workshops and the schedule should be available soon by email to all students. For more information about the program, here is the official page: https://www.mic.ac.jp/student/ARC
Two good news in one day
Today I got two surprises, both of them academic ones. The first one was a package from the SUTLF team. My paper from the 2017 conference was selected for publication in a book. No big deal, except that only 4 papers were selected. I feel really honored and happy for their selection. The second one was an evaluation copy of a book I am co-authoring. I haven’t got the evaluation copy myself, but the publisher was distributing it during the Read More …
The New ARC Program
Since the beginning of this semester we are starting a new program for our Academic Resource Center (ARC) in which students get assistance with homework and some guidance studying for the TOEIC test. April was a little slow due to book purchases and setting up of computer and printers, but in May we saw some students visiting the ARC regularly and asking assistance from our TA (who has been hired with the main duty of conducting this program). Well, last Read More …
Too busy to be true
Tomorrow is our 21st graduation ceremony and today everyone is very busy preparing and rehearsing for tomorrow. Also, we will have TC certificates handled to students in a small ceremony and later, thesis highest honors certificates. Of course these are not the only things going on. Today students will be trying the gowns and filling up an exit survey among other things. I am sure a lot of people will be crying tomorrow, so I hope I can write a Read More …
English Skills Workshops
This Friday we will have the first session of the English Skills Workshops for 1st year students. Although not mandatory, I am requiring almost all my advisees to attend it and I will keep a record of their attendance. This is another way we are trying to improve students’ skills and it is really important that they attend it.
Lab Live (or, the view from the lab)
With some neat programming and an old webcam, I am now able to share the beautiful view from my office window. Winter is coming, and it may look a little boring (for now), but as soon as the flowers start blooming, the mix of colors will surely become something amazing to appreciate. Looking forward to April!!!
Preparing for the new semester
Next Monday the semester starts… and as usual, things were so busy around here that computers’ refresh was left for the last minute. Luckily for me, most computers are usable and tomorrow I will be able to focus on my new programming class. Yes, that’s right, a programming class is going to be taught for the first time in MIC and I am looking forward to it.
Radar charts everywhere!!!
It is normal to provide students with feedback every time they submit an assignment. Still, some students (sometimes) do not understand where they need to improve. To address this issue, I have been handing out mid-semester reports to all my students and the easiest way for them to understand it to stick a radar chart in it. Yes, I know we can do it with a spreadsheet software, but I wanted something that would be generic enough that I can Read More …