Thank you all for your support throughout 2022. We are now just 12 hours away from the end of 2022. It has truly gone by so fast. I returned from the U.S. at the end of August, resumed work in September, and classes began in October. It was a hectic second semester, including two intensive courses that were usually held in the first semester. 2022 is ending in the blink of an eye.

I had a fulfilling research life in the U.S., spending stimulating days having research meetings with Professor Stephanie that were just like the guidance she gives to doctoral students. In my current position, I rarely receive guidance myself; rather, I am in a position to provide it, which is fun in its own way as it involves stimulating research discussions with students. However, it is different from being in a leading research position and receiving guidance. It was truly enjoyable.

As for my achievements in 2022, I published one international journal paper (SSCI) and two international conference papers, which is the lowest number I have had so far. That is a bit lackluster. Not good. This is how it was at the end of last year… I submitted to some high-ranking international conferences this year, but unfortunately, they were rejected. I plan to add data analysis results, focus on addressing the points raised in the rejection comments, and revise them for publication.

Within the university, I worked on the renovation of the digital teaching material distribution system “B-QUBE” (it feels sluggish…) and the release of “Metaboard,” a Learning Analytics platform, which has been delayed. Unfortunately, I could not finish them within the year. I would like to move forward with the release of Metaboard early next year. With the cooperation of Professor Shimada, I hope to proceed so that we can provide various Learning Analytics functions. We also have plans to provide learning activity analysis tools on Moodle to students, so I would like to continue research that advances the provision and development of better learning environments.

Although my research achievements (publications have also been updated) were quite modest, I want to use this frustration as a springboard to actively produce results next year.

I wish you all a Happy New Year.