Learning of Tomorrow [Event Report] VR × Education Series: “Preparing for ‘What-If’ Disasters with VR/AR: The Role and Potential of IT in Disaster Prevention” For the first installment of the “Learning of Tomorrow Online Symposium: VR × Education” series, we welcomed Professor Itamiya as a speaker to discuss how VR and AR can be utilized in disaster preparedness education.
Professor Itamiya points out that disaster prevention information does not necessarily lead directly to evacuation actions. This is because there is a gap in awareness between those providing the information and those receiving it. Consequently, he turned his attention to simulated disaster experiences utilizing AR and VR. Data shows that VR and AR are extremely effective as a means of helping people concretely visualize the risks involved in a disaster and translate that understanding into action by making them feel as if the situation were “happening to them.”
As part of a collaborative project between Facebook, Nasu Town, the Itamiya Laboratory, and CANVAS, we implemented VR/AR disaster prevention education as part of the school curriculum with Professor Itamiya. A middle school student who participated in the class wrote in a letter to the newspaper:wrote in a letter to the newspaper: “The visuals and sound made it feel as if a flood were actually happening. VR disaster preparedness experiences play a crucial role in raising disaster awareness. It gave me a chance to think about what to do if a disaster strikes.” I believe this shows just how impactful the class was.
I hope we can continue to work together in the future (*^^*)
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.”
