Our program covers a wide range of research themes that students can engage in as instructional systems research. Those themes are thought to fall into any of the four emphasis areas: Instructional Design, Information Technology, Instructional Management, and Intellectual Property (ID/IT/IM/IP). More specifically, your research themes will be as wide as those of our full time instructors can deal with collectively. Start by thinking seriously about what kind of theme or topic you would like to engage in. Then consider what kind of research you can conduct under the theme you chose, in terms of instructional systems research. Consider how to position the theme as a research in the field of instructional systems so that you can carry out what you would like to do. In some cases, you may have to narrow down the theme by considering which part of your big picture can be taken up to deal with for your master's degree.

This course is aimed at formulating a concrete research plan you would like to engage in as your thesis for the master's degree (or research paper on a specific topic). Start with the simple question, “how can I conduct the research?” In the next step, in Block 2, review the case studies the instructors have engaged in. Then, prepare materials in Block 3 in order to put in a request for the instructors to supervise your research.
Before starting the above mentioned journey, here is a question for you.“What kind of research would you like to conduct?”

You may have various worries about your idea: “Is this suitable for research?” “I am rather embarrassed to choose this theme. An elementary school pupil would be able to do it...” “I will not be able to finish this difficult theme in one year....” Forget about such concerns. Write down what you would like to do in your research as you think of it.That is the first assignment (This Session's Task 1). Read each other's “thoughts,” and exchange comments. For example, “I see,” “I know something which may be related to your interests,” and so on.

In order to directly express your “thoughts” with an open heart as they are without being interrupted, let's start the full-fledged study of this course after finishing this first assignment.