Learning of Tomorrow [Announcement] “AI Avatars Expand Classroom Support with ‘TOC-ME! assistant’” For the online symposium on Tuesday, February 17, we will be welcoming Mr. Kenji Hanzawa from the Planning and Strategy Department of Mitsumura Tosho Publishing Co., Ltd.
"TOC-ME! assistant" is a classroom support app that allows users to summon an avatar capable of speaking native-level English at any time with the push of a button; it is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2026.
We deliver experiences made possible by AI—such as small talk to spark classroom conversation, automated generation of hints and answers to support activities, and speaking practice with instant feedback.
At this symposium, we will hear about the background and unique features leading up to the development of “TOC-ME! assistant,” as well as the new learning styles it pioneers. We hope you will join us.
https://lot.or.jp/report/16126
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
