Speaker: Masahito Watanabe
Project Ibunka allows students from schools in different parts of the world to connect and learn from each other in a safe, online space.
Our presenter, Professor Masahito Watanabe of Yokohama National University (YNU), is a professor in the English Section of University Education Center, which coordinates all of the liberal arts education of YNU. He was born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1959 and got his masters degree in Education at Tsukuba University in 1983. After five years of experience teaching English at a local high school, he took a job at Meikai University in 1988, moving on to YNU in 2007.
He has research experience in science education, educational technology, European language literature, linguistics, and pedagogy. In 2000 he designed and started a project allowing students from schools in different parts of the world to connect and learn from each other in a safe, online space. These students have truly had the chance to spread their friendships across the globe, and continue to do so as Professor Watanabe builds the program ever larger.
This week comments: 127, this week visitors: 66
Excellent idea. Couldn't figure out what age group this is for, though.
The Web has really opened up possibilities that were only dreamed-of when I was in school. About all that we had back then was pen pals in foreign countries. This kind of sharing, especially in real time in chat rooms, expands the options and possibilities for students' learning and growth. Do teachers monitor these discussions to ensure proper communication?
I'm all in favor of creative ways to increase international understanding. The Ibunka Project seems to have this as their purpose. I note there is a teacher in Brazil participating. Maybe I can find others here who would like to participate.
The WatanabeProjectlbunka presentation was very interesting. This kind of direct input will take students from around the world and unite them with common ideas of interst.
Dear Rotarian,
Thank you for you comments to our Project Ibunka. I really appreciate them. My appreciation also goes to Mr. Rushton Hurley who kindly offered me the opportunity to make a presentation here. If you really have interest in Project Ibunka, I'm willing to offer you a guest account. Contact me at wata33@gmail.com
Best,
This program is timely for a personal reason, My son is leaving 1 January for a teaching position at the Yokohama International School. I'll be sure to pass this along to him.
This program, I am sure, broadens students' lives much as actual travel does.
This is a great program. On a broader scale this provides much of the learning and interaction that takes place when RYLA delegates interact with Youth Exchange students from other countries.
Again you have another interesting subject and speaker's notes. I also like the "new look" to to the site, more Rotary in the 21st century
I had a pen pal when I was a kid. She was in Brazil. I never forgot her. So I know cross-cultural programs work.
Its like a real meeting. I enjoyed my first visit to your club.
If you are doing an Matching Grant Project in South Asia or Africa, do keep in touch. me an my club may be interested in partenering
Great concept--Ibunka could really help to bring understanding among many people of the world!
The Project Ibunka sounds a lot like the Rotary student exchange program, without the travel, etc. One advantage this program has is that it can be multi-cultural, so participants learn about cultures, etc. from all around the world, not just from a single assigned country. A very creative program.
What a great program. Virtual exchange. We should do something like this!
This is my first e-makeup meeting. You have created a great service for those of us who need an occasional makeup. Nice job on your website. I'm sure I will be back. My club secretary's email address is lincolnshirelass@shaw.ca
Interesting educational experience for the students.
The projcet Ibunka program was interesting. Projects like Ibunka do a great job of helping young people learn about each other and each other's cultures in a much more interesting manner than just reading the information out of a text book.
Thank you for the opportunity to visit this site.
First I want to say your site is great and I commend you for all of your hard work. I am glad that our president is on board with eradicating polio.
Great meeting!
Nice program. Appreciate it.
It is intriguing to learn about how there are programs in the world that help children from different cultures learn about other cultures.
Project Ibunka sounds like a great way to connect our kids and our different cultures. Seems like a sophisticated version of the "pen pal" concept I participated in as a child...
Great meeting and great topic! I enjoyed learning about the Ibunka Project. Very innovative and what a great way to create interaction amoung students on an international basis.
Sounds like a great learning program for all.
Great concept of communication across the world.
Interesting program today - Thanks!
One comment regarding function of the new site: after I completed the program, read through Professor Watanabe's presentation and wrote a brief note in this box, I went to check My Account to be sure you have my club Secretary's email. After I did so, I wasn't able to page back to this "finish meeting" page, so I had to start back at the home page and click through to this page again, where my note in this box had gone away. Am I doing something wrong?
Thanks again.
Jack Higgins
I think this is a great idea. We entertained an English student this summer in our home as an exchange student and learned so much.
I like this eclub makeup--it's like a live club meeting.
Another interesting meeting,keep up the good work with the programs Rushton
Great to get the news that Budi's job is safe! That's good news for all those kiddos at the orphanage, definitely.
This was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about another Rotary club... especially an e-club. I am going to read through the Watanabe Project Ibunka information and glean from that. I also was encouraged by the steps taken by our president to partner with the OIC in eradicating polio. Very pleased with Rotary's efforts in this area... what a noble accomplishment and we are so close to the goal.
Sounds like a great program for cultural exchange and learning.
I think Project Ibunka is a wonderful idea. It gives students an opportunity to learn about different cultures and have respect for different ideas in a safe computer environment.
Very convenient and a life saver for travellers!
I enjoyed the program. One element that struck me about what Prof. Watanabe made sure happened is that a picture was place with every comment. I think that this is important too for our forum and eClub (for many of the same reasons that lead to fellowship). Sooo....all those who have not put a picture with their member's information, it is a good time with the new newsletter.
Congratulations on the effort to redesign this page. I am sure I will visit tomorrow.
How interesting! This certainly is in line with Rotary's goals of forging bonds of friendship and promoting understanding among various cultures.
I wish my children's high school had had a program like this. Not only does it foster international/intercultural exchange and knowledge, it helps the participants learn in other ways, from improving writing skills to understanding how to convey consideration of others in their writing. It would be interesting to find out how many of the kids continue their online friendships beyond the program.
