Upgraded online services
First of all, our online services saw a major upgrade in October. We launched an updated ELT Japan website (www.oupjapan.co.jp) with enhanced search functions and a redesigned look to make it even easier to find what you need. In particular, please try our Ask Oli (OnLine Interactive Virtual ELT Representative) search engine. Oli recommends an OUP title based on a series of questions that you answer. There is also an online catalogue and a browse-by-category function. Our website is your first stop for information on our titles, requesting samples, joining one of our teacher service programs, looking for a bookseller near you or finding details on one of the many events we participate in over the course of the year.
October also saw the launch of our Passport Online website for students (www.oup-passportonline.jp). Passport Online is being used by hundreds of students in Japan this year, and teachers report increased motivation and satisfaction, as well as effective review and extension of the student book material. Passport Online features 40 different interactive activities, bilingual notes and instructions, scorekeeping and reporting functions, and all for free! So please come in and take a look.
Free trips to England
Visitors to our website also found out about our fantastic Oxford Classics contest, which is still ongoing (though in its final stage -- hurry!). We have given away two trips-for-two to London and Oxford already, and we have one more pair of tickets just waiting for a lucky winner. Any readers of this article who would like to enter can still do so. Until December 10, English teachers in Japan may enter online via our website (above). This contest and these fabulous prizes are our way of celebrating the success of the thirteen Oxford Classics -- ELT titles that have been especially successful here in Japan over the years. Oxford Classics represent the confident choice for teachers looking for material that works in their young adult classes.
Free beer (and great service for college and university teachers, too!)
On November 24, attendees at the PAC3 at JALT2001 Conference in Kitakyushu were treated to an evening of classic rock, good beer, and another giveaway of a trip-for-two to the UK at the Oxford Classics Party. Despite the official ban on alcohol at this year's conference, JALT was kind enough to notify attendees of this free event, and Oxford is grateful that so many of you came along to help us celebrate. All attendees who teach at a college or university, and who weren't already members of our Oxford Campus Support Service (OCSS), were given automatic membership. Meaning (among other great things), any member who adopts an OUP text at a college or university simply has to let us know, and we'll provide a free Teacher's Book and free audio component directly to that teacher. There are other great benefits to being a member of our OCSS, so if anyone reading this would like to sign up, please go directly to the OCCS sign-up page on our website: <www.oupjapan.co.jp/csupport>.
Grog with the Grammarian
We were extremely proud to bring Michael Swan to Japan once again this year. In addition to being a Featured Speaker at the conference, Michael spoke at five OUP-British Council Forums in Japan in the week prior to Kitakyushu. Michael brought his unique blend of humor and insight to the talks, along with a host of practical ideas for approaching grammar-related teaching issues. Teachers who stayed on for any of the receptions afterwards enjoyed a glass of wine and more scintillating conversation than you can shake a stick at. These seasonal forums with the British Council, featuring respected international speakers (Tom McArthur spoke in the Spring), are something we will be doing more of. Once again, all OCSS members will receive direct notification of these great free events.
Tebiki for Japanese teachers
A little-known aspect of OUP Japan's service is the growing number of Japanese language teaching guides (tebiki) that we produce. We recognize that most teachers are very busy, and that for many Japanese teachers it is extremely helpful to have brief, succinct teaching notes for their textbook in their native language. These items are available for many of our young adult titles, including all of the Oxford Classics course books, so please contact us to request your free copy, or let your Japanese colleagues know about these great items.
So when you think OUP, think not only about a rich history, but about great service for teachers in Japan. Hope we see more of you in 2002.