CREATIVE KIDS TOP Programming Education Programming Class at Shakujii Special Needs School

Programming Education

2017.12.14
Programming Class at Shakujii Special Needs School

Over the past year, we’ve been collaborating with Shakujii Special Needs School on their programming classes. These classes emphasize self-expression through activities such as moving
LEGO cars to film videos and create stories, using Biscuit to depict the underwater world, and utilizing Kinect to create spaces filled with sound and visuals through physical movement.
http://csforall.jp/case/2454/
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http://csforall.jp/case/2588/

Yesterday, in my capacity as a member of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ Programming Project Committee, I observed this year’s classes conducted by Shakujii Special Needs School and Avex Education.
I was told that this year’s curriculum focuses on helping students master the three core concepts of sequence, branching, and iteration. The lessons utilize “Chameleon,” a program where students input commands by dropping balls into designated slots, rather than using tablets or keyboards.
Yesterday, the students were engaged in a hands-on activity where they used cardboard and a computer to build a hamburger exactly as they had planned.
The lesson was designed with a strong emphasis on physical engagement, and it was impressive to see all the children enthusiastically participating until the very end.
I was particularly moved by Mr. Ebisawa’s remarks that the program fosters the ability to plan ahead and has provided children—who sometimes struggle with communication—with a means to express themselves.
Thank you so much to Mr. Ebisawa and Mr. Nakata for all your hard work!
The teachers’ ability to engage others is remarkable—before I knew it, CANVAS Fellows Mr. Yamazoe and Mr. Stowe, along with Mr. Yamauchi, were also collaborating with Shakujii Special Needs School to conduct lessons.
This was the third site visit for the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ programming initiative, following Okinawa and Shizuoka. Both the Okinawa and Shizuoka visits were hectic day trips lasting only about three hours each, but this time, for
the first time, I felt I was able to participate at a leisurely pace (*^^*)


　

Profile


  • Digital Picture Book Author

    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.”