SLC Shared the Online SL Activity Challenges at the Symposium of Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis at ICU

We had both expectations and anxiety because it was our first attempt at online classes and remote service activities. For example, while there are negative aspects such as "low online service needs and few organizations to collaborate with", "fewer students who will take the course", "uneasy communication flow between partner institutions and students" etc. On the other hand, there were many positive aspects as well such as "flexible meeting arrangement and cost reduction,"  "flexible classroom management with fewer students" and "a new form of partnership with other instutions."

 

In the class, in addition to live lectures and discussions in the 5th and 6th periods, 18 hours of remote service activities were conducted. Approximately 30 students are divided into 6 groups with 5 host institutions, and engaged in international exchange (planning and operating virtual excursions with children), environmental awareness survey in Mitaka, NGO fundraising and SNS publicity activities, and problem analysis and proposals for SLC. At the beginning of the activity, it used to be "chaotic", which was the first remote activity that caused a lot of confusion, but gradually evolved into a "creative" activity through trial and error.

 

Moreover, we have strengthened our collaboration with Middlebury College, which had previously been affiliated with the JSSL program. Students from various countries (Middlebury College and its patner universities students, ICU students) gathered over the Internet and thought together, "What could we do for local communities in the time everyone has to stay home?" Then, in collaboration with local people, they have created a project with the theme of international exchange (such as the above-mentioned "Virtual excursion with children").

 

As a result, it became clear that online classes and remote service activities could be possibly implemented. It is important to be "creative," not just sticking to existing methods, finding new methods and expanding collaboration with new partners. Regardless of location such as country or region, there were wall collapses due to online sessions. In the future, in addition to online activities, it may be possible to combine online and actual activities. We would like to explore a new form of "service-learning."