Learning of Tomorrow [Event Report] “Essential for Recruiting International Talent: Digitizing Academic Credentials” Upon hearing that Japan’s first pilot project to build a platform for digitizing and making academic transcripts—such as college diplomas—available online was underway, we spoke with Professor Shingo Ashizawa of Toyo University during the “Learning of Tomorrow Online Lunch Symposium.”
By moving the exchange of certificates online, the university can not only improve services and convenience for graduates and reduce administrative costs associated with paper certificates, but also support graduates’ international endeavors, such as assignments abroad and finding employment or changing jobs overseas.In promoting digitization, the university has adopted an approach known as “autonomous and decentralized digitization.” The goal is to establish a “self-sovereign identity” that enables individuals to properly self-manage their own academic histories. Furthermore, by ensuring that these credentials are “verifiable” and internationally recognized, the university aims to attract highly skilled talent from overseas, such as international students.
While the digitization of academic transcripts is advancing worldwide, a survey conducted this past July reportedly found that Japan is the only OECD member country where such transcripts have not yet been digitized.
Once again, Japan is the only one… The digitization of universities is also an urgent priority.
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.”
