By Hiroaki Konno

One of the classes Professor Alan Bossaer teaches is Skills VI, a fourth-year English communication class. In the class, students are expected to use English in various ways and Professor Bossaer often employs a variety of activities and methods to accomplish this goal. For example, students are often required to produce PowerPoint slide shows via the computer, both individually and in groups. "What students need in society is not only an ability to speak conversational English, but an ability to express ideas clearly and to be confident with English," Professor Bossaer stated. In an interview he pointed out that recently the use of presentation software as a teaching/learning tool in the classroom has increased dramatically worldwide because it allows students to speak English on a variety of topics, and because students learn presentation skills, important for building self confidence and necessary for life in the working world.

A few weeks ago, Professor Bossaer introduced a class project centering on the theme, "Promoting Sapporo." Students, working in small groups, were expected to research interesting sightseeing spots in or around Sapporo, and then present the information in a PowerPoint slide show. Professor Bossaer invited me to observe the presentations, and on November 12th, I visited the class.

In addition to myself, there were two guests observing the class from the Sapporo Convention Bureau, Mr. Tomohiro Wajima, and Ms. Hitomi Otani. The Sapporo Convention Bureau is funded by the City of Sapporo and is responsible for promoting tourism and conventions in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido. Through a friend at City Hall, Professor Bossaer heard about a national convention in Tokyo in December for convention bureaus throughout Japan. Professor Bossaer thought it would be interesting to learn what the students thought were interesting sightseeing spots in Sapporo. He also thought the presentations could benefit both students and the convention Bureau officials. "I was hoping the Convention Bureau people could get a new perspective of Sapporo tourism from the students and at the same time, I was hoping to inspire the students, by raising their consciousness of professionalism." Professor Bossaer contacted the Convention Bureau and after discussing his plan, Mr. Wajima and Ms. Otani enthusiastically agreed to observe the classes.

The presentations took place at the Information Processing classroom in building 2. There were four groups, each with two or three students. The groups took turns making the PowerPoint slide presentations while the Convention Bureau officials looked on eagerly and took notes. The most popular sightseeing spots were Maruyama Park, Jouzankei, and the new JR Tower. However, some students chose more cultural places like the Ainu Village. During the presentations we learned the history of many of the sightseeing places, basic information, and bits of knowledge we do not usually notice, such as the fact there are about 5,000 bars and restaurants in Susukino, and that Sapporo Factory is partially operated by solar power.

After the presentations, Mr. Wajima and Ms. Otani provided feedback to the students and noted the importance of presenting useful information for all people. Some of the advice they gave included providing more detailed information about access to the sites for elderly people and the physically disabled, using current statistical information, and linking various places that are related to each other, rather than introducing each place one by one.

After the class, we talked in Professor Bossaer's office. The Sapporo Convention Bureau officers mentioned that they not only invite various academic groups or research groups to have conventions in Sapporo, but that they also create original events and cooperate with volunteer groups in promoting Sapporo. Mr. Wajima, noted, "We want to make Sapporo a city which is appealing to many visitors from around the world. That means we have to do a good job presenting a good image of Sapporo." Mr. Wajima's final comments were, "Presentations are a big part of many jobs, and learning how to make them is extremely useful for students' futures. I think this type of class can really help students."

It was very significant to have the Sapporo Convention Bureau officials present for the presentations. This type of class is essential because private enterprises need people with the kind of skills employed in this lesson. I hope Professor Bossaer is able to invite other professional working people to his classes because it is useful for students.