14. Kobe Institute of Computing (Private)

Transcription

1 1. Basic Information 14. (Private) Study Area: Agriculture 2. Irrigation, Water and Soil Management Specific Research Fields 5. Irrigation, On-Farm Water Development and Management 8. Rural Infrastructure Development 3. Rural Development 9. Rural Community Development 10. Agriculture Extension 11. Agriculture Cooperatives 12. Public Health Control 7. Others 23. Agriculture 27. Forestry and Natural Resources 28. Natural Resource Management 30.Agriculture Engineering 1-1 Graduate School Graduate School of Information Technology (URL of Graduate School) Program Name ICT Innovator Course, Master s Degree Program Master of Science in Information Systems (the degree is one of the Engineering field) While mastering computer skill from the foundation 1-3 Degrees (about half of lectures), in each field, we provide programs in which you can study the practical technique for using ICT technology for solving social issues. 1-4 Status Graduate School Student (2years) 1-5 Credits and years needed 40 credits and 2 years for Master s course. for graduation Class: 26/26(Classes in English/ All classes) 1-6 Classes taught in English Text: All English 1-7 Desirable English Level TOEFL IBT:76 PBT:540 (ELTS:5.5) 1-8 Prior Inquiry From Applicants Must/Ideal/Not Mandatory/Unnecessary (Before submission of AF) : Ms.Ikumi Yoshimoto,info@kic.ac.jp 1-9 Message for Applicants (KIC) is dedicated to support 1

2 our students and graduates. We will make sure that the knowledge and ideas learned at KIC will be actually used in the field, and we make sure that we will be proud of the results achieved by our graduates. KIC s faculty and staffs are available to guide students during their studies, and to assist them when they start their development work. KIC has created the Tankyu Lab system for this follow-up task Additional Information Availability/ Number Note Japanese Language 1) Necessity of Japanese language for study 2) Availability of Japanese language class Foreign Students 1) Number of foreign students enrolled in past 3years 2) Number of PEACE participants currently enrolled 3) Number of female/male at the Graduate School Facility Information 1) Dormitory available for PEACE participants No Available 53 All courses and Research activities are in English Free Japanese language class 2 3 rd batch(2) Female 6 Male 47 Available 2) Prayers room Available 3) Halal food available in cafeteria Others Available (Many Shops) (1) Tutor system Available (2) English counseling Available Female 1 Male 10 (Current foreign students) KITANO area has many halal restaurants 2.Features of University (KIC) has 54 years of rich history. It is now one of the major institutes for professional, vocational, practice-oriented education in IT and digital technology-related industrial fields in the Western part of Japan. KIC is the alma mater to more than 17,000 students and has 1600 students as for May KIC Graduate School of Information Technology is founded in 2007, as one of the few graduate school which provides IT professional Master degree in Japan. The students are valued for their skills and the knowledge of IT, and as a result they are on a high demand from various firms. 2

3 Kobe is blessed with natural beauty such as Mt. Rokko and the Seto Inland Sea. This city is located almost in the center in Japan. The average yearly temperature is 16.8 C (max C /min C in 2003). Annual rainfall amount is 1,538.0 mm in It means that it is very comfortable, namely, warm in winter and cool in summer relatively in Japan where the four seasons are very distinct. Its population is about 1,520,000, which is the 6th-largest in Japan. Over 44,500 foreigners and over 1,800 students from 117 countries including Afghanistan, China, South Korea, U.S.A, Arabic countries live here. It has flourished as a representative trading port of Japan with the world. It is conveniently located, for example it takes about three hours from Tokyo. The Kobe Airport has opened in Feb to fly to various cities in Japan. Also, Kobe is very Muslim friendly. There is a Mosque just 5mins walk from our campus, Halal meals are available at the restaurants and Halal foods can be found at groceries. 3.Features of the Graduate School - The first ICT4D (social development utilizing ICT) course in Japan. This course is the first course providing the knowledge and know-how, with practical expertise - Global collaboration and learning environment of students and Japanese students. International students and Japanese students who aim to be leaders at Japanese companies, and to contribute to the development of the international society, will be studying together in this course. This collaborative learning helps to form a human network between Afghanistan and Japan. 3

4 - This is a program to develop ICT Social Innovators The curriculum is arranged to foster Social Innovators in ICT4D, who discover the social issues then develop the society with utilizing ICT. The experience obtained with the program Problem Resolution for Development Issues by Information-Communication Technology commissioned by JICA has contributed to the development of this program. - Problem solving practice Tankyu Practice Problem solving practice called 'Tankyu Practice' is a program of enhancing one's technical and human strengths, by contributing to society through utilizing one s skills and experience. President Prof. Toshiki Sumitani, who invented the method of Tankyu, is also a researcher and a practitioner of this method. He dedicates himself to spreading the 'Tankyu Practice', which is a proven, student-oriented method of social entrepreneurship. Please see Annex 1 for detailed information on the program. 4.Features of the Program and Curriculum in each Field of Study ICT4D is Attracting Attention in Developing Countries In developing countries such as those in Africa, a multitude of problems including poverty, improving efficiency in agriculture, education and health care, remain unsolved. Even electricity and water supply, parts of the infrastructure that are taken for granted in developed countries, are not adequately available. Although developed countries including Japan have extended considerable support in the form of financial aid, human resources and technology, their effects have yet to spread far enough. In these circumstances, an approach using ICT (Information and Communication Technology) to develop the social economy of developing countries is gaining attention. This approach has been coined as ICT4D (Information and Communication Technology for Development). In recent years, even in developing countries, Internet and mobile phone networks are rapidly coming into wide use. Further, OSS (Open Source Software) has become widespread on a global basis, making software development possible at no cost providing there is access to a computer. By putting these resources to practical use, it is becoming possible to develop systems useful in solving problems in developing countries both quickly and at low cost. Case Studies of ICT4D 4

5 Information terminals are placed in each rural community. ICT solution center will deliver programs of fundamental education and increase the literacy rate in there. Also services for remote medical and regular medical checkup are provided rural people through this information delivering system. To create job opportunities, information for increasing productivity of primary industries is delivered as web contents. The maintenance of ecosystem and monitoring environmental conditions are established as new industries. Learning from Japanese experience in ICT4D It was in 1960s when Japan entered the era of economic development using ICT such as computer and network. Then in 1980s, technically advanced ICT started to be used on daily basis in office and at home. That is, ICT has become an effective tool in the area of social development. ICT is now widely applied in various sectors such as financial service sector such as banking, transportation sector such as railway ticket, and other social services such as medical and education sector. Since mobile phone and internet has been widely used, we cannot now live without ICT. ICT is a power to trigger social innovation that leads to new appealing products and service. By learning ICT4D in Japan, you will be able to learn/understand the advanced ICT implementation widely applied in Japan. Leaning from Japan s ICT4D experiences will equip you with the ability to create your social innovation utilizing ICT. Education Architecture The program consists of ICT related courses and Social development and innovator courses as shown in the Tankyu Pyramid chart below. The axis of the program is the sequence of Tankyu (Inquiry) Practice through Specific Theme Study A to Specific Theme Study B, with the support of the theoretical and applied subjects that are required to this practice, including social development and innovator courses, together with ICT-related courses. The hands-on exercises and experiments have their focus on group work, targeted at improving the acquisition of professional practical knowledge and human skills. 5

6 Teaching of Tankyu Practice is achieved by absorbing the core theory and practical methods through the repetition of the cycle of Lectures --- Exercises --- Presentations. It is an active learning model, centered on case studies so students experience a practice close to practical problem-solving. Exercises and experiments are also basically carried out in this form. Master students have to take 40 credits at least in two years. The curriculum is categorized with ICT basic and Problem Solving Practice in order to learn ICT4D systematically. The curriculum focuses on 6

7 case study. In Problem solving Practice, the knowledge and the skills acquired in the basic classes are used comprehensively. You will study fundamental through lectures and exercises. Your research supervisor will be assigned about six month after enrollment based on your research topic. Students are expected to research on the solutions of social issues of your interest utilizing ICT, therefore, your research topics are not necessarily the same as those of supervisors written below. For your reference, Please see Annex 2 for detailed information on the courses 2013 offered in this program. 5.Academic Schedule One school year has 6 terms; each term is about 2 months. Outline of the Academic Calendar Oct. Start of the ICT4D Master's Program Oct. - Nov. Fall 1st Term Dec. - Jan Fall 2nd Term Feb. - Mar. Fall 3rd Term Apr. - May Spring 1st Term Jun. - Jul. Spring 2nd Term Aug. - Sep. Spring 3rd Term Oct. - Nov. Fall 1st Term (2nd Year) Dec. - Jan Fall 2nd Term (2nd Year) Dec. 27 Jan. 7 Winter Holidays Feb. - Mar. Fall 3rd Term (2nd Year) Apr. - May Spring 1st Term (2nd Year) Jun. - Jul. Spring 2nd Term (2nd Year) Aug. - Sep. Spring 3rd Term (2nd Year) Sep. (end of 2nd school year) Graduation 6.Facilities - Students residence - Prayer Space - Library - Class rooms / Laboratories - Self-study room - Seminar hall 7

8 7.List of faculty members (supervisors) capable of guiding Afghan participants in English- Position Name Research Subject / President of Toshiki Sumitani Research Subject Kobe Institute (Mr.) Tankyu Practice, Problem Solving, New Business Development, of Computing, Entrepreneurship Professor Project Management / Administration and Management sumitani@kic.ac.jp Tankyu Practice has been developed by Prof. Toshiki Sumitani, as a method of social innovation and development. It is widely recognized as a valid and effective methodology of solving social issues by an active, action-oriented process. It is used throughout KIC's courses, and also at other schools, like e.g. at the 'i-school' of Tokyo University. KIC has been using the Tankyu Practice method with success in giving trainees from many countries a foundation in solving their own social issues with the power of ICT technologies and their own human skills. Professor Sandor Markon (Dr.) (Mr.) An Example of Tankyu Chart Research Subject Interface Technologies, Simulation-Based Optimization, Linear Motor Elevators, Embedded Systems Electrical Engineering markon@kic.ac.jp There is a lot of debate about what kind of IT technology is suitable for application in developing countries. Since numerous companies require commercial software skills (Windows, MS Office, and so on), some people say it is necessary to learn the skills required for those types of software. That is quite correct, but it does not end there. At KIC, students begin with studying the fundamentals of open source software (OSS), for example, Linux, Apache and Android. By acquiring these skills, students are able to become active participants as opposed to passive observers. Instead of simply utilizing software 8

9 Professor Hisato Shima (Mr.) (Mr.) developed by other people, students with OSS skills are capable of launching new projects and creating new concepts for society. In the future, such students will also be in a position to give guidance on the use of OSS. KIC students themselves can become the seeds for growth in new industries. Research Subject Network Service and its clients, Network Security Computer Science, Project Management / Administration and Management shima@kic.ac.jp Specially appointed professor Ryuji (Mr.) Matsunaga Information and Communication Technologies are getting widely available in worldwide, including countries under development. Especially, Cellular networks and inexpensive smart phones enable many people to access information, and to communicate with other peoples. For example, weather and climate information, market information are essential for farmers. For merchants, access to bank services or money transfer services is necessary. Network services and its portable terminals can be used in developed countries to solve social issues, to improve life and to have fun. Let's study to become innovator who solves problems utilizing information and communication technologies. Research Subject International Cooperation, Environment, JICA s Activities Project Management / Administration and Management, Public Policy / Public Administration, Enterprise and Privatization, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, GIS(Geographical Information System), Agriculture Engineering, MIS(Management Information System), Rural Development matsunaga@kic.ac.jp Associate professor Takuzo Osugi (Dr.) (Mr.) Problems in developing countries are (i) Absolute lack or uneven distribution, (ii) Deterioration of quality and environment, (iii) disaster such as flood and landslide, (iv) Disorderly development of resources. To tackle these problems, JICA cooperates in four fields, (1) Safe and stable supply, (2) Conservation of environment, (3) Enhancement of disaster control capacity to protect lives and property, (4) Promotion of comprehensive resources management. JICA has been providing cooperation, Prepare short- and long-term plans, Conduct investigations and design for constructing facilities, Develop human resources and increase the capacity of organizations as a whole, Improve facilities. I lecture those JICA s activities, experiences, and strategy in all sectors. Research Subject Social development through ICT 9

10 Rural Development, Project Management / Administration and Management, Public Policy / Public Administration osugit@kic.ac.jp Lecturer Teruaki Yokoyama (Dr.) (Mr.) My research interest is social development through ICT, that is, ICT4D. I am thinking about how we could apply ICT to use as an effective tool for social development. I have conducted my research both domestically and internationally. My research fields range from rural mountainous areas in Japan to large countries like China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia, as well as Bangladesh in South Asia. During my field work on the ground, I identify social issues, examine the solutions utilizing ICT, and develop and implement a real-world project, often in collaboration with an international organization. Research Subject Internet Technologies and Applications Computer Science ytel@kic.ac.jp Asssistant professor Samiullah Paracha (Mr.) I'm a lecturer who researching about the Internet itself and its related technologies. One of the greatest benefits of the Internet is its openness. Almost of the technologies are opened in public. You can see and touch them freely. The Internet has become very popular and quite useful communication infrastructure among the various kinds of things on the Earth. If you learn how to use the Internet technologies, you can create your own services on the Internet and employ the Internet communication for your service. Let's join in and play with the technologies together. Research Subject ICT in Education particularly elearning, Digital Game-based Learning, Virtual Learning Environments, Computer Mediated Language Learning, Educational Media & Instructional Technologies and Learner Centered Design ICT in Education paracha@kic.ac.jp ICTs are critical drivers of development in the world today, and are shaping the future to be knowledge and information focused. It is commonly recognized that of all the various pushes to the future, ICTs are amongst the most influential and paradigm-changing. It follows, therefore, that emerging ICTs be strategically and wisely designed and mediated to ensure their cumulative effects bring positive benefits to 10

11 societies. In the case of KIC, an increasingly complexified global information environment has given rise to this unique institute dedicated to the studies of ICT4D. It symbolizes a novel amalgam coupling ICTs with the metaphor of 'sustainable development', in recognition of the imperative of appropriately positioning ICTs within living dynamic societies. Representing a new style of teaching, KIC is destined to venture where others dare not by exploiting the distinctiveness of its curricula, internationally-oriented academic staff, vigorous research portfolio, and focusedness of vision. Academic challenge, cultural diversity, and a fabulous environment await foreign students who want to shape their future through ICTs at KIC. 8. Message from PEACE participants SOKOUT, Hamidullah - PEACE 3 rd Batch participant Student of ICT Innovator Master s Course, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan I came to Japan in September 2013, to be a part of the ICT Innovator Course at (KIC). I believe that research in ICT and education can usher in a promising new era of fraternity, peace, prosperity and harmony in Afghanistan. I hope my research will ignite the fire of transformational change in the hearts of Afghan youth through empowerment, motivation and education thereby, creating change agents for a prosperous Afghanistan. My major motivation is to increase my understanding of the social issues and to improve my ICT know-how to be able to find out creative solutions of the existing problems. Furthermore, Kobe is one of the most cosmopolitan, modern and multicultural cities in Japan with foreign residents from over 110 countries. Interacting with people has always fascinated me. We have so many people (Muslims, Japanese, Hindus, Christians etc.) living side by side peacefully. Today is an era of globalization and English is known as universal language of this increasingly globalize world. Hence, reading, writing, and speaking English is very important for communication. I m also taking full advantage of KIC English club and working tirelessly to improve my English proficiency. I envisage KIC as a key venue for fostering people with not only analytical and technological skills, but with individual expressiveness as well." 11

12 AHMADI, Abdul Rashid - PEACE 3 rd Batch participant Student of ICT Innovator Master s Course, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hi, this is Abdul Rashid Ahmadi from Kabul (Afghanistan). I m pursuing my Master s degree at Kobe Institute of Computing with dreams and aspirations of a brighter future. I got interested in KIC after receiving information from JICA (Afghanistan Office) and after surfing KIC website. My fascination with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been the driving factor behind my decision to opt for a degree in ICT for development. During my undergraduate coursework I worked on small projects of limited scope. However, in my graduate works, I would like to explore the scalability, reliability, and security issues involved with creating large distributed systems. I would like to know the recent advances in technologies and various techniques that have played a significant role in the design and development of large real-world systems. After I receive my Master s degree, I plan to pursue a teaching career at university and an ICT specialist of software industry, at the same time. As such, I would be benefiting the society in two ways: (i) as a teacher; and (ii) as an ICT innovator (i.e., creating innovative professional career. 12