We have issued a recommendation strongly advocating for online education to ensure that educational opportunities remain uninterrupted even in the event of infectious diseases that pose a risk of rapid nationwide spread, large-scale earthquakes, or other emergencies.

　The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the adoption of distance learning worldwide. While it is regrettable that Japan’s efforts to provide one ICT device per student were not completed a year earlier, we view the fact that society has come to keenly realize the necessity of this initiative—coinciding with the launch of the GIGA School Initiative—as a valuable opportunity, and we intend to take the appropriate measures.Now, while universities are preparing to transition to online classes starting in April, a ministerial ordinance sets a cap on the number of credits that can be earned through media-based courses at the undergraduate level, and this has raised numerous concerns.

　Based on these considerations, the Learning of Tomorrow Association has called for the prompt implementation of temporary regulatory easing in relevant ministerial ordinances, notifications, and other regulations pertaining to the promotion of online education, as well as for consideration of permanent regulatory easing. We would also like to discuss amendments to the Act on the Promotion of Information Technology in School Education, which was enacted last year.

　Despite the sudden nature of this proposal, we received numerous comments from directors, executive committee members, council members, and members during the discussion phase, which demonstrated the high level of interest in this matter.

　In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Tsuyoshi Natsuno, who urged me to publish this as soon as possible, and to Professor Yanagisawa—principal of Kaisei High School, professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, and former professor at Harvard University—who even provided suggestions for revising the text.
https://lot.or.jp/wp/report/1691/

　

　

All Classes Online – Statement on the Promotion of Online Education –

March 2020, General Incorporated Association
Learning of Tomorrow https://lot.or.jp/about/structure/

　To prevent the nationwide spread of the novel coronavirus, the government requested that schools across the country close, and schools nationwide did so. While schools are set to reopen at the start of the new school term, taking into account the specific circumstances of each region, there are concerns that not only will some areas continue to keep schools closed, but that other areas may be forced to close them again.

　As a result of recent deregulation, distance learning on remote islands and media-based instruction in high schools and other institutions have been institutionalized; however, online instruction has been institutionalized only as an exception.

　However, for children living in these unpredictable times, is it really enough to rely solely on in-person education as we have in the past? How can we nurture the skills they will need in the future?

　The key lies in the shift to online education. By incorporating digital technology, we can boost children’s motivation to learn and improve their academic performance—regardless of time or place—while also stimulating their creativity and expressive abilities.Collaborative learning—where students teach and learn from one another—fosters the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century. Above all, there is a strong need for legislative reforms to enhance online education, ensuring that educational opportunities remain uninterrupted even in the event of new infectious diseases with the potential for rapid nationwide spread, large-scale earthquakes, or other emergencies.

　To strongly promote online education, we propose the following:

　

1. Promptly implement temporary regulatory relaxations under the Enforcement Regulations of the School Education Act (Ministry of Education Ordinance No. 11 of Showa 22), the Standards for the Establishment of Universities (Ministry of Education Ordinance No. 28 of Showa 31), and related ministerial ordinances, public notices, and other regulations.

2. Consider permanent deregulation in the Enforcement Regulations of the School Education Act, the Standards for the Establishment of Universities, and related ministerial ordinances, notifications, and other regulations.

3. To ensure educational opportunities for students in the event of a new infectious disease with the potential for rapid nationwide spread, a large-scale earthquake, or other emergencies, the “Act on the Promotion of Information Technology in School Education (Act No. 47 of Reiwa 1)” shall be amended.