Okayama University Hosts Multicultural Education Training Workshop for Faculty

Multicultural Education Training Workshop at Okayama University

On September 24, 2025, Okayama University, located in Okayama City, Japan, held a significant training workshop for teachers and staff titled "Implementing Multicultural Education Effectively and Efficiently". This event was part of the Multicultural Education Initiative endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Japan for the 2024 academic year. The workshop gathered more than 130 faculty members to share and discuss best practices for effective multicultural education.

Vice President Mr. Takayoshi Suzuki, who oversees international relations and alumni affairs, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of multicultural education in today’s global landscape. He provided insights into the university's ongoing efforts and the significance of this training program in creating a socially impactful, multicultural campus.

One of the highlights of the workshop was a presentation from Vice President Mr. Atsufumi Yokoi, who is in charge of Global Engagement, along with Yuta Tsunami from the Global Engagement Center. They presented on the topic "Creating an Interactive Global Learning Environment through AI-Driven Translation and Feedback Apps.” Their session focused on leveraging technology to engage Japanese students who may struggle with English communication or lack interest in studying abroad. Using real-time translation apps during their presentation, they demonstrated how students can now participate in classes in English or Japanese without needing to fully understand the language. This innovative approach not only helps break down language barriers but also encourages active participation among students who might otherwise feel excluded.

Following this, Associate Professor Masahide Koda discussed the creation of educational videos that are "Multilingual and Subtitled, Realized through Generative AI". He offered a detailed explanation of how to generate subtitles for existing videos, as well as effective tips for interacting with generative AI technologies. His session highlighted the potential of generative AI in enhancing multimedia educational resources, enabling a more inclusive learning environment.

Throughout the training, participants explored how generative AI could address the language barriers that often hinder multicultural education. They also considered the potential risks associated with implementing these technologies, emphasizing the need for responsible and ethical usage. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement about the progressive initiatives discussed, noting that they felt inspired by the session’s forward-thinking approach to multicultural education.

Okayama University remains committed to promoting internationalization through ongoing multicultural initiatives and looks forward to contributing to the global educational landscape. Attendees left with a sense of hope and motivation to adopt these innovative practices in their own teaching efforts, confident that multicultural education can be enhanced through the power of technology.

Images from the training session showcase the engagement and enthusiasm of faculty members who recognized the importance of these developments in their teaching methods.

The Global Engagement Office at Okayama University offers further information about these initiatives and encourages community involvement in enhancing educational practices. As the university continues to embrace innovative educational strategies, all eyes will be on Okayama University as it solidifies its position as a leader in multicultural education.