Case Studies

Ensure a learning environment even when schools are closed

Please tell us about the characteristics of your school and its educational policy.

We value children's independence and self-reliance.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
At our school, we value each child's independence.
The children themselves choose and carry out the various options in their learning and school life. We value such an attitude in which children take the initiative to learn and experience, rather than teachers teaching.

Thank you very much. Please tell us about the background of your decision to introduce learningBOX.

Creating a learning environment during the lockdown during the pandemic was an urgent issue.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
Due to the spread of the COVID-19, our school was closed in March 2020. At first, we thought that the school would be closed for about a month and that we could get by by handing out assignments to the children during the break. However, the school was to remain closed from April onward, and the issue of how to ensure a learning environment for the children became a serious concern.
Originally, we had a simple system that could distribute educational materials, but it was not user-friendly and could not be managed smoothly, as it could not tolerate simultaneous access by parents, took time to search past data, and could not be sorted.
In addition, the teachers were actively creating videos and assignments, which quickly filled our capacity.

It was then that an acquaintance told me about an e-learning system called learningBOX.
We started with a free trial, and from that stage onward, we inquired with your representative about the extent to which we could customize the system as we built it.

Thank you very much. What did you think was the best part of using the system and why did you decide to formally introduce it?

It is simple and easy to understand for both children and parents.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
In a word, it was a perfect match for our needs.
The first thing that was good was that it was simple and easy to understand for elementary school students and their parents, some of whom are not familiar with digital educational materials. Another important point was the ability to store a certain amount of video and PDF files.
I am currently on the starter plan and have embedded vimeo for videos, but I am still running out of space so I think I need to rethink my plan again.

I know that Dr. Takamatsu and other teachers are currently using the system, but have you heard any comments or requests from them?

It is a system that everyone can easily use and matches our school.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
We have not heard any particular complaints or requests, so I think everyone is satisfied with the system. For us teachers, too, the system is very simple, in a good sense, so everyone can use it easily. I have the impression that the system is very well suited to our school in that teachers can use it the way they want to use it.

It has been about two years since I started using it, and now it has become a truly indispensable system: in addition to the learningBOX, the LoiLoNote app and ZOOM, these three systems make up a complete teaching system. I am so thankful for the learningBOX, especially during school vacations, because I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found it.

Have you ever used it for a test or in class?

Not used for testing, but to help with online classes and assignments.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
I use it primarily for online classes and to review assignments at home.
Since our school's learning policy emphasizes writing and dialogue between children rather than one-question tests, we are not currently considering the use of a test format.
Each student also has a tablet device, which they do not use for drills, etc., but rather for viewing videos of assignments. From there, the children think for themselves and derive the answers. Currently, we are using LoiLoNote to collect those answers, but I have heard that learningBOX can be used consistently for answering and grading, so I will definitely try it with the help of your company (laughs).

Perhaps companies and middle school students and above will have a greater need for use in testing, but for use in elementary school and early childhood education, it may be useful to use the system in areas other than testing.

Are all grades using the videos?

Teachers also shared class videos with each other and exchanged opinions.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
Yes, I do. Especially for first-year students, we have videos available for parents to watch even when reviewing. Some students say they don't know how to teach at home, so the videos are very effective.
Also, since it is not easy to visit classes nowadays, we sometimes upload videos of classes in progress for parents to view.
Also, although it is not a training program, I have used it to share videos of classes with other teachers to exchange ideas.

What other uses do you have for the product?

Schedules and class newsletters are uploaded to learningBOX.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
In my class, I distribute the weekly schedule using learningBOX.
We also hand them out on paper, but we can upload them to ensure that parents receive them. Especially during the school holidays, children could not come to school, so we asked them to check the learningBOX for their schedules and grade level newsletters.

Thank you so much! Finally, we would like to hear your requests and opinions on what you would like to see us do more of.

If the children could communicate with each other in the learningBOX.

［Mr. Takamatsu.]
I touched on this a little, but I would like to ask for your help again to ensure consistent management of the system, since you can even collect and manage answers from the children, even if they are written answers.
Also, I think it would be great if the children could communicate with each other on the learningBOX.

I am sure we can do more than we are doing now, but we have not quite caught up that far yet. We would be very happy to hear your suggestions.

Afterword

How was the case study interview with Doshisha Elementary School?
I believe that during the difficult time of the Corona disaster, the teachers searched hard for the best for the children and made every effort to provide a place to learn with as much quality as possible. It is a very happy case for us that learningBOX worked well in this context.
I also think this is a good example of how even elementary school students can learn through e-learning systems via digital devices.

We would like to continue to help teachers more and to expand the scope of learning for all of our students.

Thank you very much for taking time out of your schedule to meet with us.
We appreciate this opportunity.