Masato Kikuchi

Associate Professor of Japanese

Member Of:
  • School of Modern Languages
Office Location:
Swann 315
Office Hours:
Thu/Fri 1:30-3:30pm (EDT/EST)

Overview

Dr. Masato Kikuchi is Associate Professor of Japanese in the School of Modern Languages. He received his PhD from the University of Pittsburgh where his research focused on the areas of application of natural language processing techniques such as development and evaluation of intelligent computer-assisted language instruction, discourse/pragmatics processing, and psycholinguistics. He is currently developing a virtual world based learning platform in Second Life, developing content for advanced, content-based Japanese courses in CALL (computer-assisted language learning), translation of technical and business documents. 

His latest research/development work focuses on building multi-player Virtual World platform in Second Life that enables language production with visualized feedback.  The current VW platform is accessible to general public via SLURL (Sky Platform at EduNation III in SL). This platform is a 3D visualization of subjective construal experience based on SCOBA theory (Schema of a Complete Orienting Basis of an Action).

Currently, the following SL-based VW platform has been designed for the experiments on testing the effectiveness of 3D visualization in language learning to be conducted in the Spring, 2023. (1) Comparing the learning outcomes of immersive 3D-based game and those of conventional 2D-based game in producing transitive/intransitive expressions in Japanese.  (2) Comparing the effectiveness of grammar visualization techniques using the subjective construal vs.the objective construal in learning grammar concepts of coming/going, giving/receiving, etc. within a 3D game context.

Education:
  • Ph.D. 1995, University of Pittsburgh, Intelligent CALI
  • M.S. 1982, University of Pittsburgh, Intercultural Communication
  • B.A. 1979, International Christian University, Intercultural Communication
Areas of
Expertise:
  • Instructional Technology
  • Intelligent CALI
  • Japanese Language
  • Second Language Acquisition

Interests

Research Fields:
  • Instructional Technologies for Foreign Language Acquisition
  • Japanese
Geographic
Focuses:
  • Asia (East)
Issues:
  • Intercultural Issues
  • Language and Popular Culture

Courses

  • JAPN-1001: Elementary Japanese I
  • JAPN-1002: Elementary Japanese II
  • JAPN-2001: Intermediate Japanese I
  • JAPN-2002: Intermediate Japanese II
  • JAPN-3001: Advanced Japanese I
  • JAPN-3691: Tech & Scientific Japn
  • JAPN-3694: Conversation Practicum
  • JAPN-4113: Adv Reading & Listening
  • JAPN-4123: Tech&Bus Jpn Translation
  • JAPN-4173: Anime: Culture&Society
  • JAPN-4231: Design Websites in Jpn
  • JAPN-4233: Cali Pedagogy for Jpn
  • JAPN-4235: 3D RPG Develop. Japn.
  • JAPN-4500: Intercultural Seminar
  • JAPN-8804: Special Topics

All Publications

Journal Articles

Conferences

Presentations

Internet Publications

Softwares