Learning of Tomorrow [Event Report] “Breaking Down the Barriers Between In-Person and Online Learning: A Classroom Prototype for Exploring New Forms of Education—The Classroom of the Future Project” At Monday’s Learning of Tomorrow Online Lunch Symposium, we heard from Mr. Hiramoto and Mr. Nakamura of Shizuoka Seiko Gakuin Junior and Senior High School about “Creating Hybrid Classroom Spaces Combining In-Person and Online Learning.”
At this school, where some students live in dormitories, students residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area and others have continued to participate in classes online even after the school reopened. Drawing on their experience of transitioning from fully online classes to staggered attendance at one-quarter and then one-half capacity, the school has launched a classroom initiative to ensure that students studying from home who cannot attend in person can receive instruction under the same conditions.Looking at the results of a survey on online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, student satisfaction increases when “human connections” are fostered. So, how can we ensure that happens?
According to Shizuoka Seiko Gakuin, the hallmark of its hybrid classroom is the online delivery of three video feeds combined: the blackboard (the teacher), the entire classroom (the students), and the screen (presentation materials). The school says this conveys the atmosphere of the entire classroom and facilitates smooth, interactive exchanges during group work and presentations.By establishing this hybrid environment, the school will be able to continue holding classes online without having to close during typhoons or other disasters.
However, rather than simply using online learning as a substitute for in-person classes, the school aims to improve the quality of learning through a hybrid environment by taking on initiatives that are only possible because of online learning. For example, the school conducts classes in collaboration with companies and schools overseas. Instead of organizing study abroad programs or overseas training as separate events, the school integrates them into the daily curriculum. This is something that is uniquely possible through online learning.
What’s impressive about Shizuoka Seiko Gakuin is that it has a clear vision of spreading this know-how to schools nationwide, including public schools. The biggest hurdle to expanding nationwide is cost. That’s precisely why they set a budget cap of 200,000 yen per classroom and raised those funds through crowdfunding.There are 18 classrooms in total. It looks like the fundraising will go smoothly, so I’m looking forward to the day when I can see the “Classroom of the Future”—or rather, the “School of the Future”—proposed by Shizuoka Seiko Gakuin.
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.”
