Collaborative Learning Abroad

2014

IT, Communication & Societies
Chiba University, Japan
Multimedia University, Melaka, Malaysia

IT, Communication & Societies

GlobalStudyProgram

I*Photos by Darren Lee

Overview of the CourseTnformation technology (IT ) is an importantcomponent of human life today. Especially newtechnological inventions such as smartphones havedrastically altered the patterns of human interaction
and lifestyle. In this course, Global Study Program
4(GSP), students of Chiba University (Chiba-U),
Japan and Multimedia University (MMU), Malaysia,
explore the potentials for IT, particularly smartphone
applications (apps) on health and safety, to promotea better quality of life. The program was developed incollaboration with professors and a lecturer from theFaculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) of MMU.
As a case study, we examined society(ies) in Melaka,
Malaysia. In this course, students of both universities
were divided into six groups (See Pages 9 & 10),
identified social needs that people in Melaka have,and proposed an innovative smartphone app to fulfill
those needs. The nature of this GSP is collaborative
learning. Students from MMU and Chiba-U engagedwith the course topic collaboratively in spiral sessions
combining lectures, fieldworks and workshops (Seethe figure on top on Page 2).

he second momentum was implemented in thefirst week of the main course. Once the maincourse started, students learned about smartphone
technology, about the adoption of smartphone
technology by consumers (See page 5), andconducted field research twice. Students conducted1) an auto-ethnography to become familiar withpeople’s usage of smartphones and with the kindsof apps that are used (see Page 5), and 2) survey
interviews in order to identify the social needsof Melaka’s inhabitants (See page 7). Based on
students’ findings from field research and workshops,
students provided a midterm report, which consistedof the second momentum in this course.

T

he third momentum was based on the activitiesof the second week. Based on the midterm reportand on the idea generation workshops, students
developed a prototype of a smartphone app that
could possibly fulfill the social needs of Malaccans(See page 7). Then, students conducted a third
field research by interviewing Malaccans in order toobtain feedback on their app prototypes. In the final
presentation, students proposed an updated versionof their smartphone app that would potentiallypromote a better quality of life of people in Melaka(See Page 8). This was the third momentum of thecourse. The names and icons of the smart phone
apps students created are listed on Pages 9 and 10.

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his program is designed for students to experience
three momentums (See the figure in the middle
on Page 2) as they engage with the spiral sessions.
First, students from both universities took pre-course
education sessions in order to prepare themselves
for the actual course starting from March 3rd toMarch 15th, 2015. On the Chiba-U side, students
1) summarized reports on smartphone apps andtechnology, and built a list of English vocabularies, 2)
prepared for a presentation on Japanese culture, and3) practiced explaining their favorite smartphone apps
to an English-speaking audience (See Page 3). The
first momentum of this course came when students
delivered presentations on their respective cultures.

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hile having the intensive study sessions,various sightseeing opportunities wereplaned after each momentum for students to takea break (See Page 6). In addition, thanks to thestudent organization of FET, called EngSoc, andthe accommodation introduced by MMU, Chiba-U
students and instructors were able to have a
comfortable life in Melaka (See Page 4).

1Spiral Sessions
Lectures

Workshops

Field Research

ThreeMomentums‘ThreeMomentums’
The 1st Momentum:
Cultural Presentation
March 3rdThe 2rd Momentum
Midterm Report
March 8th

The 3rd Momentum
Final Presentation
March 13th

LecturePresentation

WorkshopSightseeing

Field ResearchParticipants

Pre-course
Dec 22 - Feb 27

Chiba University
Akira Kuroiwa
Koki Miyaura
Masashi Hiraki
Mayu Nakano
Mebae Sasaki
Risa Imai
Saho Kobayashi
Sakino Kashiwagi
Shiori Hirayama
Shunsuke Korikawa
Takanatsu Mori
Tomoko Numata
Yoshimitsu Yamada

Main course
Mar 2
3 – 15Multimedia University

Cheng See Quan (Max)CHeong Jiunn Wei (Alex)
Chu Wen Lin
Farah Diyana Binti Muhammad Fouzi
Joanne Tan Pei Xin
Leong Mei Ping (Alice)
Lim How Chong (Kelvin)
Ng Hui Ting (Summer)
Ng Kai Sin (Happy)
Nurul Athira Binti Bahardir Khan (Tiera)
Robin Tan
Sudarshan A/L Vijayan (Shan)
Valerie Loo Shin Yin (Rie)
Yuzuru Yoshida
2Post-course
Mar 17 -MMU Engineering
Society (EngSoc)
Keith Koh Swee Han
Liow Mu Xiang (Ahmu)
Gavyn Chong Wai Kit
Chan Jing Cheng (JC)Janet Tan Ai Lik
Darren Lee

Preparation for the Course: We summarized
three reports on smart-phone app andtechnology. Catching up with lectures held inMMU, we collaboratively built a list of English
vocabularies from these reports. Then, we tooka game-like test to check our understandingof these vocabularies. These exciting activities
enhanced our motivation. Thanks to theseactivities, we were able to understand lectures
held at MMU better. (Mebae)

Cultural Presentation: We prepared four
presentations introducing Japan. The
topics were about entertainment, SNS, foodand Japanese honorifics. We tried to show new
aspects of Japan, which are hardly introduced
in guidebooks. It was much more difficult thanexpected. We learned the importance of group
work, especially coordinating each idea and thedifficulty to make our presentations attractiveand logical. (Tomoko)Sharing Favorite Smartphone Apps: In a precourse education session, we practiced toexplain our favorite smartphone apps in English
in order to be familiar with basic knowledge, andparticularly smartphone terminologies. It was infact difficult to introduce the apps that we areused to using everyday. Through this activity,
we were able to understand about apps deeply
and got some ideas for creating innovative apps.
(Masashi)3

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ife in Melaka: We stayed in two apartmentsof a building called IXORA, which is locatednext to the MMU Melaka campus. This building
is so new and comfortable enough to stay that
we could spend the whole program without
having any troubles. And also, there are someleisure spaces near our apartments like a pooland a gym to play badminton. Although it isreally hot and humid in Melaka, we could enjoy
everyday lives thanks to these facilities. We had
lectures and workshops in a building called CCU.
Members of a student organization of FET, called
EngSoc, always prepared breakfast, lunch andstationaries so that we were able to concentrateon our work. As Malaysia is known for being a
multicultural society, MMU also showed great
cultural diversity. There were so many students
from different backgrounds, and they seemed totake pride in their own identities. It is interesting
to know that students generally speak morethan two languages. In our group works, somestudents used Chinese or Malay to communicate.
(Shunsuke)4Smartphone Technology: We had a lecture
about smartphone technology by Dr. Koo.
He explained phone’s revolution and current
statistics of smartphone. The first mobile phonewas made in 1983. After that, the technology ofmobile phones developed and spread rapidly.
Nowadays, one fourth of people in the world use
smartphones, more than 100 billion apps havebeen downloaded, and more than 600 apps arelaunched everyday. (Akira)A

doption of Smartphone Technology :Mr. Lim gave us a lecture on this topic. In
recent years, smartphone technology is rapidly
evolving. Smartphone technology impacts on
consumers' behaviors, marketing and businessactivities, education and mobile industry. Thus,
the study of the key factors that affect adoptionof smartphone technology has become more
important for many fields. While there are manymodels that analyze adoption of smartphone
technology, an emerging one that explains thismechanism well is UTATU. (Yoshimitsu)

Use of Smartphone in Melaka (First FieldResearch): On the first fieldwork, weobserved how people use smartphones in thetouristic areas of Melaka. We found that manypeople use their smartphone on the streets. In
addition, especially young people seemed touse SNS frequently. It was interesting to find thatsome people were using smartphones to killsome time in the traffic jam, an activity that canbe also observed in Japan. (Risa)

5Melaka: Melaka is known as the mosthistorical place in Malaysia, and we visited
various historical sites from the 15th century.
Besides that, we enjoyed local food very much.
Around MMU, there are many street venders. As
Malaysia is composed of different ethnic groups,
we enjoyed many different kinds of dishes. It wasinteresting to know that our MMU friends always
have supper after dinner. (Koki)

Port Dickson (PD): We went to PD, which isa resort area, two hours drive from Melaka.
First, we climbed a small mountain, found alighthouse and saw the stream of Melaka. Then,we walked down a small path and got to ahidden beach. After having lunch, we went toanother beach and enjoyed various activities
such as swimming, playing soccer, etc. It was a
joy for us to spend a whole day in PD. (Mayu)Kuala Lumpur (KL): On the last day, we wentto KL. There are many people and high-risebuildings. It reminded us of Tokyo a little. At first,
we visited Pavilion, a big shopping mall, andenjoyed shopping and eating food. And MMU
students helped us buy souvenirs. Lastly, wevisited KLCC, which is one of the landmarks ofKL. Its twin towers and water fountain in front of
it were illuminated and beautiful. (Shiori)

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dentifying Social Needs in Melaka (SecondField Research): We conducted a survey
interview in order to identify social needs inMelaka. First, we designed a survey questionnairethat contains about 15 questions. Then, eachgroup went on a fieldwork site, which was either
DP or AEON, and asked 30 Malaccans about theirconcerns and opinions about health or safety.
Each MMU and Chiba-U student had roles wheninterviewing people and came up with various
strategies to collect data. This project was much
more difficult than we had expected. (Takanatsu)

Making a Prototype of Smartphone
App: Each group made a prototype of asmartphone app. By combining the data from thepast survey interview and lectures by Dr. Koo andMr. Lim, we generated ideas for our smartphone
apps. In a workshop, we voted on other groups’
ideas by using small sticky notes. By considering
the result of the vote, each group narrowed
down their thoughts to one single idea, anddesigned it in detail. We drew images of the app
on a white paper, and used it during next day’s
field work to show to respondents. (Saho)7

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etting Feedback on Prototype ( ThirdField Research) and Final Presentation:
After each group came up with a prototype ofa smartphone app, we conducted a survey at
DP or AEON and obtained feedbacks from 20to 30 Malaccans. We enjoyed conducting thisfield research with group members, but we also
found some difficulties such as the language
barrier and communication skills.

After the survey, we had one day to prepare
for a final presentation to propose a newsmartphone app. We discussed and worked
together. Each group added or changed someideas on our prototypes based on the survey
and advises from professors. The componentsof the final presentations included past lecturematerials, ideas from past workshops, and dataand photos taken from the past field research.
Each group provided interesting ideas topromote a better way of life in Melaka. Aftereach presentation, we received some questions,comments and advise from participants andprofessors in order to improve our ideas. (Sakino)

8Afterthoughts
Group A: App name "Angel Eyes"

Participating in GSP was fun and tiring at the same time. But throughout the whole process, I came to feelthat the technique used in GSP is very effective for linking and forming new ideas by using sticky notes. (Robin)
Although I encountered some personal problems during the program, the whole GSP turned out to be agreat experience for me. And I was able to get a lot of friends from Malaysia and Japan. (Saho)
I initially found it hard to work collaboratively in the group work sessions. But by doing our best tocommunicate with one another, our group was able to complete the tasks successfully. (Takanatsu)
My communication skills have improved a lot during the fieldwork experience. The most important
experience is that I learned the way to work collaboratively within a group. Overall, I appreciated every
moment of GSP! (Wen Lin)
This was a unique way of integrating culture with lectures. Truly one of the best memories throughout mywhole study period. I will definitely join GSP again if there was a chance. (Gavyn—EngSoc)

Group B: App name "SPARK"

The professors enlightened us with knowledge that is not only for class purposes but also can be appliedin daily life. The post-it activities are an exceptionally fun way to learn and discuss among group members.
(Farah)I’ll never forget this great experience with MMU students during GSP. Throughout interactive group
working, I came to have a sense of sameness with my group members beyond racial, religious and nationaldifferences. (Koki)
GSP gave me an opportunity to reconsider myself, and I was able to find both my weak and my strong points.
I am very grateful to MMU & Chiba-U students, and especially to teachers. GSP is the best!! (Mebae)
Through this program, I learned the importance of teamwork, brain-storming using sticky notes and how tothink from different perspectives. I will cherish memories from this program forever. (Rie)
GSP was very exciting for me because I was able to make the best use of my knowledge about IT and tocooperate with people majoring in other fields. (Yoshimitsu)
I think this is a fantastic program as people from different countries get together and acquire newknowledge, even knowledge beyond the theme of the program. (Darren—EngSoc)

Group C: App name "Blood Angel"

The overall GSP is very systematic and creative. The course started from a foundation by using key words,
linking all small ideas and moved on to a final project. This program improved my innovative thinking andcultural sensitivity. (Alex)
I learned how to communicate with people from a different country and doing brainstorming in a totallydifferent way with sticky notes. I believe I will use this method in the future! (Joanne)
This program was the very chance for me of discovering and reconfirming my week points. I faced manydifficulties, but I really think this activity was important for me. (Shiori)
What matters with communication is not the language barrier but the effort to understand and convey
our own messages. Through these processes, we were able to build true friendships that will last forever.
(Shunsuke)
This is the first time I learned something through sticky notes and conducted one-to-one surveys in publicareas. I am glad I participated in this program!! (Summer)
GSP was a "must join" program in order for us to communicate globally and to learn the culture and religionof another country. It was a wonderful experience in my university life. (AhMu—EngSoc)
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Group D: App name "S•H•A•N"

Throughout this program, I learned new ideas, communication, manners and more. But the most important
thing is teamwork. No one can be perfect, but if one teams up with another, the outcome will always bebetter than expected. (Kelvin)
I’m happy that I participated in this program. I learned about how to generate ideas, discuss with sticky notes
and convey ideas. The whole experience changed my mind. (Mayu)
Thanks to GSP, I learned the importance and difficulty of collaborative work. Although I faced some hardtime, I really enjoyed learning with great friends and professors. (Sakino)
During GSP, I had been exposed to many new things. It was an eye-opening experience for me and allowed
me to look further into my life as a student. I am glad that I joined this program. (Tiera)
The best and most memorable program that I have ever joined. Even though there were so many activities
planned, I'm pleased that the majority of the participants were able to join those activities held by EngSoc.
I had a great time not only as a participant of this program, but also as a host. Arigato gozaimasu . (Keith—EngSoc Coordinator)

Group E: App name "Shake It Off"I faced difficulties in communicating with group members in the beginning, but my group members weretremendously helpful. Thank you for your support! (Masashi)
I'm really glad I joined GSP. I was able to get a great experience because I joined as an MMU student fromJapan. I want to say "thank you" to everyone related to this program. (Yuzuru)
Working collaboratively sometimes made us so confused, but the end result always made us so happy andimpressed! Thank you MMU & ENGSOC for your hospitality and thank you to all the participants! (Risa)
Coming from different backgrounds, one would think that conflicts or communication breakdowns shouldhave occurred. But it was really a great experience for both parties; we were allowed to grow a more open
heart and learn to have effective communication via our differences. (Alice)
The professors taught us about how to think out of the box by using sticky notes. It made things clear. Thankyou very much; I feel lucky that I took this course. (Max)The teamwork during the discussions, presentations and surveys among the participants was awesome.
The idea of using sticky notes during the discussions was an interesting and creative way to improve thediscussions among the participants. (Janet—EngSoc)

Group F: App name "Buddy"

It was difficult to express myself in English. But because of the support from MMU students and teachers, Iwas able to communicate well with everyone. It was VERY fun! (Akira)I think this program connected each of us together even though we come from different countries. I thinkfriendship among us is the best gift from this program because friendship is priceless. (Happy)
In the beginning I was a little unsure on how the program would turn out to be due to the language barrier.
But all the participants were great, and it was smooth sailing for the final assignment. (Shan)Through these two weeks, I found that what I have to do is to brush up my English so that I would be
able to express my opinions quickly. I believe such improvement would have made our group work moreproductive. (Tomoko)
Instead of saying we are MMU or we are Chiba-U students, I prefer to say that we are one big family! Welaughed, we ate, we played, and we cried together! In my memory, I remember everyone laughing from day
one till the last day. (JC—EngSoc)

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GlobalStudy
Program

2014

IT, Communication & Societies

11