Papers by Atsuko Yamazaki
International Journal of Learning and Teaching
Reflecting COVID-19 outbreak that prevents educators from making close contacts with students, di... more Reflecting COVID-19 outbreak that prevents educators from making close contacts with students, digitalization of language teaching is gradually getting educators’ attention. With respect to this situation, this research conducted an experiment of using Virtual Reality (VR) materials for 69 English as a STEM-major Foreign Language (EFL) learners at a Japanese university. Polishing usability of Virtual Reality (VR) English language education materials could improve the learners’ performance of English language use. However, careless use of VR materials could fail, unless the educators consider its technical and pedagogical limitations. The experiment used pairs of Virtual reality headset with two scenarios (international conference and restaurant). From pre-post experiment surveys on speaking anxiety scale, students with higher Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) listening scores showed more anxiety on speaking. Also, post-experiment open-ended questionnaires sugge...
Journal of Global Tourism Research, 2021
As an alternative to live tourism, the pandemic crisis has given rise to virtual tourism. Virtual... more As an alternative to live tourism, the pandemic crisis has given rise to virtual tourism. Virtual tourism content can vary from viewing scenery in still images (photo), moving images (video), or in 3D, to experiencing virtual reality travel. This study investigated Japanese and foreign tourist perceptions of Japanese photo and video sceneries. A questionnaire focused on five different scenery categories (traditional, floral, sea views, ocean waves, and fauna) was conducted on 112 subjects (87 Japanese and 25 foreigners). The questionnaire asked participants to view the photo and video sceneries and give their impressions using 10 paired adjectives and a 7-point semantic differential scale. It was found that the Japanese participants gave a greater number of positive responses for the video sceneries than for the photo sceneries in all categories, and except for fauna, the foreign participants gave a greater number of positive responses to the photo sceneries in all categories. This study highlighted the perceptual differences between Japanese and non-Japanese tourists (Asian tourists in particular) toward Japanese photo and video sceneries. These study results could be used as a reference to create targeted virtual tourism content.
Journal of Global Tourism Research, 2021
As the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease caused great damage on inbound tourism in Japan,... more As the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease caused great damage on inbound tourism in Japan, developing an effective promotion way to revitalize the inbound tourism is an important issue. Since many inbound tourists to Japan have expected healing and relaxing for their travels, motivating prospective tourists who look for these comforts is a key to increase the number of inbound tourists for the future. In this study, the authors conducted an experiment to examine whether photos (still image) or videos (moving image) of scenery are more effective to stimulate tourist's interests to visit Japan with an approach utilizing neuromarketing. In the experiment we recorded the brain activity of subjects, which is monitored as the amount of cerebral blood flow change by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and obtained their impression evaluation for each scenery image by using Semantic Differential (SD) method. The results of the experiment which showed the amount of cerebral blood flow change were similar for both still images and moving images. Moreover, the results of SD measurement were also similar for both still and moving images. Additionally, it illustrated that the mean values of SD adjectives related to healing were higher than other adjectives. These results suggest that the effectiveness of using photos or videos of scenery for promoting tourism on SNS or website does not have a big difference. In addition, the photos or videos which often give relaxing feelings can be effective to motivate prospective tourists who seek a relaxing time in Japan.
Procedia Computer Science, 2015
Foot care nursing is attracting attention as a medically effective treatment for the foot lesions... more Foot care nursing is attracting attention as a medically effective treatment for the foot lesions caused by such problems as diabetes or aging. In this study, we experimentally examined how aromatherapy affects human brain functions during foot care nursing using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). 11 subjects received both foot care nursing massages and aroma oil massages. We analyzed the changes in their oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations based on their brain activity by t-tests, and the t-test results showed significant differences between two kinds of massages in both the somatosensory and prefrontal association areas. The oxy-Hb concentration in both massages with and without aroma oil also showed a tendency to decrease with time. Our questionnaire results showed that our subjects felt more comfortable and relaxed while receiving foot care nursing with aroma oils. These results suggest that aroma oil massages are an effective foot care nursing tool and that foot care nursing is a medically effective treatment.
Procedia Computer Science, 2014
Foot care is attracting attention as a medically effective treatment of the foot lesions caused b... more Foot care is attracting attention as a medically effective treatment of the foot lesions caused by diabetes or aging. In this study, we experimentally examined how aromatherapy affects the functions of the human brain during foot care by using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Four female subjects received foot care massages and aroma oil massages. We analyzed the changes in their oxygenated hemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations based on their brain activity by t-tests, and the t-test results showed significant differences between the foot and aroma oil massages. Our questionnaire results obtained from our subjects showed that they felt more comfortable and relaxed while receiving foot care with aroma oils. These results suggest that aroma oil massages are an effective foot care tool.
Procedia Computer Science, 2013
Previous studies conducted by Yamazaki and Eto on the background colors of on-line tests indicate... more Previous studies conducted by Yamazaki and Eto on the background colors of on-line tests indicated that a combination of black text and a white background color was not considered preferable for Web-based tests (WBTs). In this study, the authors conducted an experiment to see if a background color can affect the scores of a Web-based English listing test. Thirty three subjects in their twenties took Web-based English listening tests and non-linguistic tests with blue and white background colors with black text. The average test scores of the subjects showed no significant differences between the blue and white backgrounds. The brain functions of the subjects were also examined by observing relative changes in hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in their brains with near-infrared spectroscopy. Two dimensional images of the Hb concentration changes obtained in the experiment indicated that areas in the brain associated with language processing tended to have higher Hb concentrations while the subjects were taking the listening test with both background colors. On the other hand, areas in the brain related to the frontal eye field were observed to be more active while they were taking the test with the white background than with the blue background, even though the questionnaire result obtained from the subjects showed that they felt more tired when they took the tests with the combination of black text and a blue background.
Journal of JSEE, 2016
General English tests are often considered to be insufficient for assessing global communication ... more General English tests are often considered to be insufficient for assessing global communication competency in engineering context. The authors developed a list of Can-do descriptors to measure foreign language communication proficiency in engineering settings. The Can-do list is based on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), which has been used as a reference for multi-language communication competencies with "can do" statements. In the development, we evaluated the validity of Can-do descriptors in the list by analyzing its 10 self-assessment scales in relation to English test scores obtained from more than 1500 university students and engineers working at companies. The CEFR-based Can-do list has been used to access engineering students' communication abilities in such settings as global PBLs with foreign students and global internship trainings.
2017 7th World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF), 2017
Global communication skills are essential so that engineers can function successfully in global s... more Global communication skills are essential so that engineers can function successfully in global settings. To properly evaluate the outcomes of global communication education for engineering students, we need a measurement tool that incorporates the global communication elements of engineers' professional practice. In this study, the authors developed a list of Can-do statements which measures foreign language communication competency in engineering settings. In the development, the authors adopted the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), and then used the English scores of more than 1800 working engineers and university students to validate the level separation of the Can-do list, which has ten competency levels (from CEFR A1 to C2 with sub-scales) for reception, production, and interaction activities in communication. With the Can-do list, we surveyed 100 personnel managers at Japanese global engineering companies and identified the minimum communication competency levels from engineers. This list has also been used to compare the communication competency of students who participated in global PBL programs with students from different countries. The analysis of the student assessment outcomes suggests that Japanese engineering students need more opportunities or training to enhance their self-evaluations of global communication competency.
The international journal of learning, 2021
Twenty-first century education in engineering has expanded from a local to a global level. Nowada... more Twenty-first century education in engineering has expanded from a local to a global level. Nowadays, it plays a significant role in connecting students with the global community and raising awareness of global issues. In particular, global collaborative environments in the corporate world require engineers with global professional competencies and skills. The need to identify and assess these competencies and skills has been the focus of industry leaders in recent years. It is crucial that engineering graduates’ competencies and skills match the features and qualities required by the industry. The purpose of this study is to assess the importance of global competencies and skills required from engineering graduates wishing to work globally from the perspective of well-known Thai and multinational companies based in Thailand. It is anticipated that the findings of this research work will be useful to engineering students, faculties, and management teams of institutes in developing a ...
Procedia Computer Science, 2021
Journal of JSEE, 2017
The authors evaluated learning outcomes of participants in a global Project Based Learning (PBL) ... more The authors evaluated learning outcomes of participants in a global Project Based Learning (PBL) course by self-assessment, peer-assessment, and a diagnostic test named Progress Report on Generic Skills (PROG). We analyzed those evaluations for individual teamwork competency under global environment with diversity. Teamwork competency includes skills for communication, problem-solving and leadership. As result of correlation analysis, participants with certain language skill or working experiences in international environment tended to exert their teamwork competency effectively compared to the others without those skill and experiences even both had same scores in PROG test. This suggests that more training in English communication and opportunities to join global teamwork are needed for engineering students.
Procedia Computer Science, 2017
As globalization continues rapidly, an effective way of learning English has been interest to non... more As globalization continues rapidly, an effective way of learning English has been interest to non-native speakers as an international language. Our previous study revealed that English speeches with enhanced amplitudes in high frequency ranges activated brain functions in the language processing areas more than original speeches. However, it has been uncovered that the accurate effect of the enhancement and which high frequency ranges induces the activation of brain functions most. In this study, the authors conducted an experiment to examine whether English speeches with enhanced amplitudes in a certain frequency range can contribute to better comprehension of English speeches with different characteristics and to clarify frequency ranges that activate brain functions most. We observed and recorded oxy-hemoglobin (Hb) concentration changes by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), and also performed an English listening test by using sentences with six different speech characteristics. The result of the experiment showed that Japanese subjects had comprehended the speeches with some of speech characteristics when amplitudes in certain frequency ranges were enlarged. The NIRS measurement also revealed that enhancement of amplitudes in high frequency ranges from 7,000 to 8,500 [Hz] raised the amount of oxy-Hb concentration in the language areas most. These results suggest that depending on combination of enhancement of amplitudes and English speech characteristics, a more effective way of English learning can be attained in terms of brain activation.
Procedia Computer Science, 2017
Some studies have pointed out that tablet computers can be used to enhance people`s daily life an... more Some studies have pointed out that tablet computers can be used to enhance people`s daily life and to strengthen their brain`s cognitive ability. In this study, the authors conducted an experiment with elderly people as subjects in order to investigate whether different screen background colours can enhance their brain functions when performing a task on a tablet computer. In total, 17 elderly Japanese subjects participated in the experiment. We recorded haemoglobin concentration changes in the frontal lobe of the subject's brain by using a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), while the subject performed circle counting task (CCT) and reading span task (RST) in the experiment. Each subject performed both tasks on five different background colours, which were white, blue, yellow, red, and green. All the task pages were designed in the same way for each background colour, and the order of colours were arranged randomly. As for the average scores of CCT from all the subjects, the yellow background showed the highest score while the white background showed the lowest score. However, as for the average RST scores, the score for the white background was higher than other background colours. The results indicated that the brains of the subjects received more stress while they were performing CCT on the white background whereas for RST the subjects may have already been used to the white background of a tablet screen and performed better. Brain functions should be analysed in further analysis since CCT requires attention, whereas effect of the background colours on the brain may be different from RST, which focuses on working memory.
Procedia Computer Science, 2016
Pictograms are often used for situations where people often do not share the same language. The a... more Pictograms are often used for situations where people often do not share the same language. The authors surveyed the comprehension of colored pictograms for emergency situations in manufacturing which can be affected by cultural and educational backgrounds. Colored pictograms for manufacturing setting, such as 'push', 'step' and 'wheel', were designed and presented to workers with different cultural and educational backgrounds in a factory. Their acting behavior scales were examined by conducting a questionnaire survey. Pictograms in different seven colors, such as white, black, red, yellow, green, blue and pink, were used in the survey. The questionnaire was presented to 138 factory workers in Thailand with three different nationalities: Thai, Myanmar and Cambodia. Results indicate that colors have effects on their acting behaviors. The mean values of the acting behavior scales for a group with higher educational backgrounds marked the highest of over 50 % for red. On the other hand, the average value of middle and low educated groups marked the lowest of less than 3 % for red color.
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Papers by Atsuko Yamazaki