A Case Study of Advancing International Distance Education between Taiwanese and Japanese Universities

This paper presents a case of the implementation of international distance courses between two universities of Taiwan and Japan in Asia-Pacific area. It reports the design of activities engaged in learning with supports of various communication tools. It also examines the students’ interaction and context of learning in distance education. The paper begins by briefly introducing the initiatives, the curriculum and the instructional design on implementation of the case. It then presents results of the study with discussion, along with assessment data available on its success. Meanwhile, it also explores cultural interaction among students and class dynamics observed throughout this study. Finally, this paper closes by making recommendations for further research possibilities and practical applications aiming at enhancing international distance education.