ICT in education

The wave of digitalization is spreading across various sectors, and its impact is gradually making its way into the field of education as well. In today’s school education, effectively utilizing IT is crucial for improving learning efficiency and reducing the workload on educators. This article explains the basics of ICT education, as well as its benefits, challenges, and implementation examples. If you’re wondering, “I don’t know how to implement ICT education” or “I want to learn more about the benefits and challenges before considering implementation,” please use this article as a reference. What Is ICT Education? ICT stands for “Information and Communication Technology.” ICT education refers to initiatives that utilize information and communication technology in educational settings. Specifically, the following teaching methods are examples: Use of digital textbooks and digital whiteboards Gathering information online using tablet devices Explanations using videos and animations In traditional educational settings, paper textbooks, analog blackboards, writing utensils, and notebooks were used. By introducing ICT, a wide range of possibilities is expected, such as expanding the ways teaching materials can be utilized and improving the efficiency of lessons. First, we will introduce the necessity of ICT education and the background behind the growing interest in it. The Need for ICT Education and the Background Behind Its Growing Popularity: Advancing DX One of the key reasons ICT education is gaining attention is the advancement of DX in society. DX is an abbreviation for “Digital Transformation.” Since “Trans” implies “to cross,” the letter “X”—which represents a cross—is used. DX refers to the innovation of products, services, organizations, and business models through the use of digital technology. In the business world in recent years, many companies are in the early stages of implementing DX initiatives. A DX perspective is essential for resolving organizational challenges and gaining a competitive edge over industry peers in the market. The same holds true in the field of education. In ICT-based education, improvements in educational quality are expected through high-quality digital teaching materials and the individual optimization of learning content. Such ICT-based education initiatives are considered effective from the perspective of promoting DX and are believed to contribute to the reform of Japan’s educational landscape. Realizing the GIGA School Initiative The GIGA School Initiative is a program launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2019 to provide every elementary and junior high school student with a personal learning device and to establish high-speed network infrastructure in schools. “GIGA” stands for “Global and Innovation Gateway for All.” The goal of the GIGA School Initiative is to create an environment where learning opportunities are equitably distributed through the use of ICT, while reducing the burden on teachers involved in children’s education and creating an environment where they can maximize their potential. The introduction of ICT is expected to enable proactive and interactive learning, leading to deeper and transformative learning experiences and improvements in classroom instruction. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has positioned ICT education as follows: “We are no longer at the stage of debating whether the introduction of ICT in schools is effective for learning; rather, it has become as indispensable in the educational setting as stationery such as pencils and notebooks.” ICT will continue to spread to many schools, and the development of learning environments will progress even further. [Reference] “Toward the Realization of the GIGA School Initiative” (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) [Source] “Measures to Promote the Use of Advanced Technologies to Support Learning in a New Era (Final Summary)” (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Since 2020, the education sector has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the infection spread, elementary, junior high, and high schools nationwide were simultaneously closed, and there were times when in-person classroom instruction became difficult. In preparation for such environmental changes, the importance and necessity of introducing ICT education to improve the learning environment are increasing. Infectious diseases are not the only risks that the educational sector must prepare for. They may also be exposed to unknown risks, such as large-scale natural disasters or changes in social conditions. Such unpredictable times are referred to as “VUCA” and are said to be characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Constantly acquiring new knowledge and adapting flexibly while leveraging technology are essential skills for surviving in these unpredictable times. It is believed that adaptability will be a key requirement in educational settings moving forward. Return to Table of Contents Benefits and Effects of Introducing ICT Education ICT education is not merely a teaching method designed to respond to societal changes; it also offers various benefits and effects that help solve problems in the classroom. For teachers, it can reduce their workload and facilitate information sharing among colleagues; for students, it provides an environment where they can focus more easily on lessons and develop a greater interest in learning. Below, we will introduce the specific benefits and effects of implementing ICT education. Benefits and Effects of Implementing ICT Education Benefits/Objectives Specific Examples Improved Learning Efficiency ・Using devices reduces the burden of copying board notes into notebooks. ・ Since writing on the board is no longer necessary, students can focus more easily on the lesson ・Even students who are uncomfortable being the center of attention can more easily voice their opinions and ask questions through the system ・Since teachers can quickly access information on their devices, the quality of instruction is expected to improve Reduced Teacher Workload ・It reduces the effort required to print materials used in class and write on the board ・ Reusing materials and board notes reduces the burden of preparation and administrative work Simplified Information Sharing ・Sharing lesson content among teachers helps ensure consistent lesson quality ・ Visualizing lesson progress facilitates collaboration among teachers. Improved Student Motivation: ・It becomes easier to conduct lessons that are proactive and collaborative rather than passive. ・Using images and videos makes it easier to spark students’ interest and curiosity. ・The enjoyment and novelty of using digital devices help boost students’ motivation to learn. Improved Student IT Literacy: ・ Students can acquire knowledge and skills related to IT devices, such as operating computers and tablets. ・It is expected to help students develop the ability to select and utilize necessary information effectively. Improved Learning Efficiency: Introducing ICT education improves students’ learning efficiency. For example, in the past, students would copy what the teacher wrote on the blackboard into their notebooks to take notes, and then review those notes to reinforce their memory. However, with ICT education, the use of tablets and other devices eliminates the need for students to take notes by hand, creating an environment where they can concentrate more fully on the lesson. Systems that allow questions and answers to be submitted via ICT have also emerged, making it easier for students who are uncomfortable raising their hands or drawing attention to themselves in class to voice their opinions. By utilizing ICT, we can shift from the traditional passive classroom to one where all students take an active role. Reducing the Burden on Teachers: Teachers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including not only teaching and lesson preparation but also communicating with parents and advising extracurricular clubs. This workload is a major concern in schools, and reducing it has become a key challenge. The introduction of ICT in education reduces minor burdens on teachers, such as the effort required to print out materials for class or write on the blackboard. The time freed up by implementing ICT education can be allocated to refining lesson content or handling administrative tasks, which is expected to ultimately improve the quality of education. Simplified Information Sharing: Another major benefit of using ICT in education is the ability to easily share lesson data and teaching materials used in class among teachers and students. By compiling lesson materials on computers or tablets, the time spent distributing handouts is reduced, allowing lessons to proceed efficiently and smoothly. Information sharing among teachers also provides opportunities to discover effective teaching materials and methods, which is likely to have a synergistic effect on improving the quality of education. Increased Student Motivation: Boosting students’ motivation to learn is also cited as a benefit of implementing ICT education. Since ICT education is not yet very widespread, many students are likely to find lessons that utilize digital tools to be a fresh and novel experience. Learning through tablets and interactive whiteboards is expected to increase students’ interest in the lessons themselves. When implementing ICT education, it is advisable to create problems and animations with the students’ interest in mind. Of course, the content of the lesson—what is being taught—is important, but it is also crucial to establish a system that allows students to engage with the lesson with interest. Improving Students’ IT Literacy As ICT education advances, not only teachers—who support learning—but also students will acquire knowledge and skills related to IT devices. In a society that places a high value on the use of IT, information literacy—including the ability to operate computers and tablets—is an essential life skill. Improving IT literacy is expected to help students develop the ability to select and utilize necessary information, as well as to think for themselves. In recent years, there have been numerous cases where a lack of IT literacy has led to unexpected incidents. For example, corporate security incidents and problems related to social media accounts are primarily recognized as issues stemming from a lack of IT literacy. It is important to ensure students acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to use IT effectively. When developing or improving lesson content based on the benefits and effects of ICT education, you can refer to the information provided by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). If you are considering introducing or enhancing ICT education in the future, please be sure to review the following points. [Source] “Report (Interim Summary) of the Roundtable on the Promotion of ICT-Based Education” (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Return to Table of Contents Disadvantages and Issues with ICT Implementation While ICT education offers many benefits, the fact that it relies on the use of digital devices and an internet environment means there are also several issues regarding costs and the stability of the environment. Before moving forward with the implementation of ICT education, it is important to thoroughly understand what the challenges are. Here, we introduce three key challenges associated with implementing ICT education. Implementation Costs: It is inevitable that implementing ICT education will incur certain costs. This is arguably the biggest challenge in ICT education. On the hardware side, the purchase of computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards is required in advance; on the software side, the preparation of ICT education software is also essential. The larger the student body, the greater the number of devices that must be procured, so the implementation project must proceed based on a thorough plan. Additionally, it will be necessary to improve the internet infrastructure. Beyond the preparation phase, given that these are precision instruments, maintenance costs and repair costs associated with malfunctions must also be estimated in advance. To ensure the smooth operation of ICT education, it is inevitable that certain costs will arise during the operational phase as well. Impact of Communication Problems Due to the nature of ICT education, it is most effective when conducted in an online environment. However, it is important to understand that communication problems are an inevitable part of operations that rely on an online environment. In the event of a communication failure, there are cases where the planned lessons themselves cannot be continued. Earthquakes and communication disasters—which can cause such failures—occur frequently in Japan; depending on the situation, it may even become impossible to guarantee a minimum level of education. Therefore, it is necessary to have contingency plans in place to ensure that classes can continue smoothly even if the internet connection is lost. Disparities Between Regions and Between Private and Public Schools Another challenge is that the barriers to ICT adoption vary significantly depending on whether a school is in an urban or rural area, or whether it is private or public. Private schools often have ample budgets, so the barrier to purchasing computers and tablets is considered relatively low. However, public schools face budget constraints, so the barriers to adoption are likely to be higher. There is concern that if this situation persists over many years, educational disparities across Japan as a whole will widen. The key going forward will be how to implement ICT education equitably and ensure that education is delivered uniformly. Return to Table of Contents: Case Studies on the Implementation of ICT Education While ICT education is currently being introduced in many educational settings, what kinds of initiatives are actually being implemented? For those considering the implementation of ICT education and seeking practical examples, we present a case study of an elementary school that has adopted an e-learning system. Doshisha Elementary School Here is a case study of Doshisha Elementary School. Due to the prolonged school closures caused by the spread of COVID-19, the school faced challenges in creating a suitable learning environment for students at home. There was an urgent need to create e-learning content that was simple and easy to use—both for elementary school students and for parents who were unfamiliar with digital technology. Consequently, the school implemented “learningBOX” to build an environment that enabled home learning—including online classes—even during school closures. Even after the closure period ended, the school continues to use the system by uploading videos for students to review their homework at home, as well as class schedules and newsletters. It is also helping to improve the quality of instruction, as teachers share lesson videos with one another and exchange feedback. Return to Table of Contents Let’s Embrace Digitalization by Introducing ICT Education In today’s society, it is crucial to adapt to digitalization and make the most of these systems. The same can be said for the field of education. We recommend proceeding with the introduction of ICT education, even if only gradually, after weighing the benefits and challenges. If you’re looking to introduce ICT education, please consider “learningBOX.” The e-learning system “learningBOX” offers a complete suite of features for creating and distributing instructional materials, managing grades, and managing learners. One of its key advantages is that anyone can easily set up a web-based learning environment. We also offer a free plan, so you can easily test the system to see what benefits it can bring. If you’re looking to improve the quality of education through digitalization while reducing the workload on teachers, we encourage you to start by trying the free plan. ▼ Also Recommended! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents

In today’s society, digitization is required in every aspect of life. The educational setting is no exception. In 2021—often referred to as the “first year of ICT”—full-scale learning began under the GIGA School Initiative. A key feature of this initiative is that each student is provided with one digital device. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of introducing digital devices into ICT education? Let’s take a look at them, along with key considerations for implementation in educational settings. What Is the GIGA School Initiative? The GIGA School Initiative is a program led by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to provide elementary and junior high school students with one learning device per student and to establish high-speed network infrastructure in schools. “GIGA” stands for “Global and Innovation Gateway for All,” meaning “an innovative gateway to the world for all students.” The goal of this initiative is to provide education that is individually tailored to each student—regardless of their background—and fosters creativity. Initially, the plan was to roll out the initiative gradually over five years starting in fiscal year 2019, but due to the spread of COVID-19, the GIGA School Initiative has been significantly accelerated. Back to Table of Contents Three Reasons Why Tablets Are Used in Education Tablets are the primary devices used by students in ICT education settings. There are three reasons for this. [Reason 1] They are easy to carry. Since students are expected to use them both at school and at home, they need to be portable. Compared to PCs, tablets are lightweight and relatively compact, so even elementary school students in the lower grades can carry them without difficulty. [Reason 2] Intuitive Operation: Tablets can be operated by touching the screen without the need for a keyboard. Today’s students are often accustomed to using smartphones on a daily basis and are familiar with touchscreen operation. With tablets, there is no need to teach operation methods from scratch; students can use them intuitively. [Reason 3] Enhanced Learning Outcomes: Tablets allow for learning through educational materials that use colorful graphics and animations. This makes it possible to conduct lessons that are easy to understand while capturing students’ interest. Return to Table of Contents Benefits of Incorporating Tablets into ICT Education What are the benefits of introducing tablets into ICT education? Let’s examine this from two perspectives: the students’ and the teachers’. [From the Students’ Perspective] ① Broader Range of Lessons: Using tablets enables unprecedented lessons that incorporate videos and audio, significantly expanding the range of possible instruction. Utilizing projectors and interactive whiteboards further increases opportunities to use teaching materials beyond textbooks. ② Increased Motivation to Learn Content that was difficult to fully grasp simply by reading text in a textbook can lead to a deeper understanding. When using tablets, students receive information through both visual and auditory channels, which not only enhances comprehension but also boosts motivation. ③ Students become more proactive. One of the benefits of using tablets is that students can independently research topics that interest them to deepen their knowledge. By focusing on topics that pique their curiosity, students can engage in proactive learning. [For Teachers] ① Lessons Can Be Conducted More Efficiently By distributing handouts as PDFs and using an interactive whiteboard instead of writing on a blackboard, teachers can reduce the time and effort required to prepare for class. ② Information Sharing Among Teachers Is Simplified With tablet-compatible teaching materials, teachers can easily share information via the cloud. ③ Data is easy to utilize: Lesson content and student progress can be easily managed as data. Furthermore, by accumulating this data, it can serve as a reference when considering future educational strategies. Return to Table of Contents Disadvantages of Incorporating Tablets into ICT Education Of course, ICT education is not all advantages. There are also concerns associated with introducing ICT education. [From the Students’ Perspective] They may have trouble maintaining concentration. They may write less on paper. Their eyesight may deteriorate. Since tablets allow students to access a constant stream of information, some may find it difficult to concentrate. If students no longer need to copy what’s written on the board into their notebooks and their opportunities to write by hand decrease, this could have long-term consequences. Additionally, dry eyes and deteriorating eyesight caused by staring at the screen for long periods are also causes for concern. [From the Teachers’ Perspective] It becomes difficult to continue the lesson if a tablet malfunctions. There is a risk that lesson content or student grades could be leaked to the outside. If teachers become too reliant on tablets, it becomes difficult to continue the lesson if a device malfunctions. It is essential to establish contingency plans in advance for how to handle such situations should a problem arise. Furthermore, the risk of lesson content or students’ personal information being leaked via the internet cannot be ignored. Security measures must be thoroughly implemented. Return to Table of Contents: Points to Consider When Introducing Tablet Devices While lessons using tablet devices can capture students’ interest and be highly effective, caution is required when implementing them. The most critical point is to ensure thorough security management. Particular attention must be paid to personal information, and an environment must be established to prevent data leaks. Let’s work toward building an optimal and secure configuration environment. It is also recommended to establish age-appropriate usage rules for students. For lower elementary school students, this should be viewed as a valuable opportunity to gradually improve their digital literacy, starting with basic handling instructions. In such cases, it is essential to keep parents informed as well. Return to Table of Contents: Examples of ICT Education – Shinagawa Shoei Elementary School: The school provides each student with an iPad and conducts “Information and Programming Education” once a week, where students learn everything from basic operations to programming. Furthermore, iPads are effectively utilized across various subjects to foster students’ independent and inquiry-based learning. [Reference] https://www.shinagawa-shouei.ac.jp/primaryschool/feature/intelligence/ Nihon University Fujisawa Elementary School: The school’s goal goes beyond simply conducting lessons using computers and information networks; it aims to ensure that each student can master the use of computers as tools and properly utilize information networks to thrive in the international society of the future. [Reference] http://fujisawa.es.nihon-u.ac.jp/education/ict/ Back to Table of Contents Summary The trend toward ICT integration in education will not slow down but will continue to accelerate. However, please note that ICT education is not automatically beneficial simply because it is ICT education. Without a clear vision of “what to do and how to do it,” it will be difficult to implement effective ICT education for both students and teachers. It is also important for teachers to make appropriate preparations in line with those objectives. For those considering e-learning as part of their ICT education, we recommend our e-learning system, “learningBOX.” It features intuitive controls and is easy to use, making it accessible even to elementary school students. It also allows for the simultaneous distribution of instructional materials and centralized grade management, which helps streamline your work. Start by trying out our free plan to experience its ease of use for yourself. ▼Also Recommended! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents

As digitization advances across all sectors, interest in ICT education is growing within the educational field as well. Amid this trend, there are likely school and cram school administrators, as well as education professionals, who are thinking, “We want to implement IT to improve efficiency.” In this article, we’ll explain the basics of ICT education, examples of its application, and its benefits. If you’re considering implementing IT within your school, please be sure to read on to the end. What Is ICT Education? ICT stands for “Information and Communication Technology.” In other words, ICT education refers to teaching methods that incorporate information and communication technology. Specifically, ICT education is realized through the use of hardware such as computers and tablets, as well as software such as e-learning platforms and video content. Back to Table of Contents: The Background Behind the Growing Interest in ICT Education Why is ICT education becoming more widespread, and what are its objectives? Some of you may have questions about this term, which has become increasingly common in recent years. In the following section, we’ll explain why ICT education is gaining attention. Promoting DX One reason for the growing interest in ICT education is the accelerating push for DX in Japan. DX is an abbreviation for “Digital Transformation” and refers to “change driven by digital technology.” The goal is to enrich social life by advancing IT technology. As attention focuses on DX, there is a growing awareness within the education sector of the need to utilize IT technology. Furthermore, against the backdrop of restrictions on in-person classes due to the spread of the novel coronavirus since 2020, digitization has become an even more urgent priority. Reducing the Burden on Teachers In the education sector, the heavy workload faced by teachers, who are burdened with a wide range of duties, is a major concern. Their duties are wide-ranging, extending beyond teaching and lesson preparation to include communicating with parents, serving as club advisors, and responding to surveys from the national government and local boards of education. Amid these challenges, there is a growing movement to reduce teachers’ workload through the introduction of ICT in education. ICT education—such as providing one computer per teacher or incorporating video content into lessons—is expected to help reduce this burden. Nurturing Children for a Digital Society In today’s increasingly digital society, the ability to utilize IT is becoming essential for children’s development. Particularly now, with the abundance of information available, “information literacy”—the ability to discern and select relevant information—is crucial. To ensure students acquire the foundational knowledge needed for an information-based society, there is a growing demand within the education sector to enhance ICT education. Return to Table of Contents Examples of ICT Education in Practice Since its introduction, ICT education has been increasingly adopted in many educational settings. Even in elementary schools, it has been introduced into all subjects, including Japanese language arts, math, social studies, and science. For those who wish to learn more about these examples and apply them in their own classrooms, we will present excerpts by grade level and subject from the *Collection of Practical Examples of ICT Use in Education*, published under commission from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Second Grade, Elementary School – Japanese Language Arts In second-grade Japanese language arts classes, tablet PCs are being used to help children visualize the stories more clearly. By watching videos of the animals that appear in the stories used as teaching materials, students found it easier to imagine the characters’ experiences and feelings. As a result, students gained a deeper understanding of the story content, leading to improved reading comprehension. As a concrete sign of success, one teacher noted, “The moment the video started playing, the students cheered, and I could feel their interest and engagement rising.” Fifth Grade Elementary School – English: In fifth-grade English classes, teachers are using English teaching materials and digital content to spark students’ interest and engagement. By incorporating games and songs into lessons using interactive whiteboards, it has become possible to conduct more active and motivating classes. This has led to increased student engagement in activities. One specific positive response noted, “Using flashcards and digital versions of English workbooks allowed us to conduct language activities at a brisk pace, and the students enthusiastically participated in the learning activities.” 6th Grade Home Economics: In 6th-grade home economics classes, students are engaging in activities designed to deepen their insights and learning by planning menus while writing them on enlarged images. This approach has allowed students to consider issues from various perspectives by visually confirming information. One specific piece of positive feedback noted, “By exchanging opinions while annotating images on the interactive whiteboard, students were able to deepen their understanding of a nutritionally balanced meal plan.” [Reference] Japan Association for Audiovisual Education, “Collection of Practical Examples of ICT Use in Education.” Return to Table of Contents Benefits of ICT Education The adoption of ICT education is progressing in various settings. Many people are likely curious about the specific benefits of implementing ICT education. A major benefit of its adoption is the ability to improve efficiency in a wide range of situations. Below, we’ll introduce four specific benefits of implementing ICT education in more detail. Lessons Become Easier to Understand By using various types of ICT content—such as videos, audio, and websites—lessons become easier to understand. Using a variety of teaching materials—not just textbooks and reference books—to capture students’ interest will likely lead to greater effectiveness. For example, when studying history in social studies, students must understand in detail the specific roles played by various historical figures. By progressing through the material using video content, students can smoothly grasp the relationships between these figures and the historical context. The ability to bring images—which previously existed only in the mind—to life through video and audio is a major advantage in the learning process. Improved Learning Efficiency for Students: The introduction of ICT-based education significantly enhances students’ learning outcomes. In traditional classes, the main activity was copying what was written on the blackboard into notebooks. However, by sharing lesson content between teachers and students via tablet devices, the time previously spent on note-taking can be redirected toward other learning activities. Improved Efficiency for Teachers: Teachers are busy with a variety of duties, but incorporating ICT education can help streamline their work. For example, by using tablets for grading or replacing traditional lesson content with ICT-based educational materials, teachers can free up time for other tasks. By utilizing ICT, schools can improve the quality of instruction while streamlining administrative tasks. A major benefit is the ability to spend more time directly engaging with students. Easier Information Sharing Among Teachers: Using tablets and smartphones makes it easy for teachers to share materials used in class with one another. Not only does this facilitate smoother information sharing, but eliminating paper also eliminates the risk of losing documents. Sharing numerous success stories will help elevate the quality of instruction. Return to Table of Contents Disadvantages of ICT Education While there are many benefits to implementing ICT education, there are also disadvantages. It is important to fully understand what potential obstacles may arise. Here, we outline four disadvantages of implementing ICT education. Initial Implementation Costs To implement ICT education, you must set up both hardware and software environments. Certain costs will be incurred, such as for digital content to ensure smooth lessons and for establishing the necessary network infrastructure. Schools with large student populations, in particular, require meticulous planning and budgeting. Additionally, repair and replacement costs may arise depending on the situation. The ongoing expenses required to maintain the infrastructure could be considered a drawback. High Bar to Implementation While ICT education is highly effective for student learning, the implementation itself can present a significant hurdle for teachers who are not comfortable with IT or feel anxious about using it. They must learn how to operate various devices, such as tablets and educational software. Furthermore, when problems arise—such as a device suddenly malfunctioning—they are required to take appropriate action depending on the situation. In addition, since equipment must be managed on a regular basis, this could potentially increase the workload for teachers in some cases. Learning Depends on the Internet Connection: ICT education is fundamentally a form of learning conducted in an online environment. Therefore, educators must always be aware of the possibility of internet connection issues arising for various reasons. It is also necessary to plan in advance how to respond if a class is interrupted. Furthermore, when conducting online classes, there is the challenge of ensuring students have a stable internet connection. To establish a system that ensures all students can fully participate in classes, various measures—such as thorough advance notification—are necessary. Potential Diminishment of Children’s Imagination Although intended for learning, some have pointed out that creating an environment where children can freely access information via the internet may diminish their imagination. It is essential to thoroughly instill the habit of thinking for oneself first, rather than immediately looking up answers to questions. There is also concern that relying primarily on computers and tablets will reduce opportunities for students to write characters like kanji by hand. Return to Table of Contents Let’s Consider How to Incorporate ICT Education Interest in ICT education is growing year by year, driven by the wave of IT adoption across all sectors. Let’s take a step-by-step approach to determining how to incorporate it, while considering the background behind this trend as well as its advantages and disadvantages. If you’re looking to focus on ICT education moving forward, please consider our learning management system, “learningBOX.” Not only does it allow you to easily register teaching materials, but it can also be used for various purposes, such as managing student groups and tracking grades. If you’re looking to improve the quality of learning while streamlining your operations, please start by requesting our free information materials. ▼You Might Also Like! Related Articles Return to Table of Contents

In today’s educational settings, new forms of education—such as “inquiry-based learning” and “ICT education”—are being promoted. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of implementing ICT education. For educators considering the implementation of ICT education, it is important to understand in advance the benefits that students, teachers, and schools can gain from it. We hope this article will help you deepen your understanding of ICT education! What Is ICT Education? ICT education refers to initiatives in educational settings that utilize IT technologies such as tablets and PCs. ICT is an abbreviation for “Information and Communication Technology.” Common examples of ICT education include the introduction of tablets and interactive whiteboards, which enable “lessons that are visually easy to understand for both students and teachers” through the use of digital devices. Why ICT Education Is Gaining Attention One of the main reasons ICT education is gaining attention is the “promotion of the GIGA School Initiative.” The “GIGA School Initiative” is a plan to provide every elementary and middle school student with a PC for learning and to establish a network infrastructure. If an “one-to-one device” environment can be established, teachers and students will be able to conduct interactive lessons, and it is expected that education tailored to each student’s individual learning progress will also be possible. There are regional disparities in the development of ICT infrastructure in schools. Furthermore, in the 2018 PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) survey, Japan ranked last among OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member countries in terms of the amount of time spent using digital devices in schools. [Source] Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, “Toward the Realization of the GIGA School Initiative.” There are concerns that if the underutilization of digital devices continues, Japan will fall even further behind in the field of IT. It can be said that ICT education plays a significant role in realizing the GIGA School Initiative. Back to Table of Contents Benefits of ICT Education ICT education offers numerous benefits for both students and teachers. Here, we’ll explain four of these benefits using examples. Benefit for Students 1: Increased Motivation From the students’ perspective, one of the benefits of ICT education is increased motivation. It is difficult to boost student motivation in classes where students simply copy what is written on the blackboard into their notebooks. However, by using digital devices such as tablets and PCs, students can experience lessons in a fresh and engaging way. One recommended example is a lesson where students use the video call features built into their tablets or PCs to talk with students overseas. Given the current emphasis on the importance of foreign languages—particularly English—effective use of tablets and PCs can create lessons that are highly engaging for students. Benefit 2 for Students: Learning While Having Fun Another benefit of ICT education is its ability to convey information through visual and auditory means. For example, in math, geometric shapes can be displayed in 3D, and in English, students can hear the pronunciation of words. In classes where students simply read text from textbooks, it is difficult to foster discussions among students, and lessons tend to become one-sided, led solely by the teacher. However, ICT-based education enables interactive lessons between teachers and students, as well as among students themselves. Creating an environment where students can learn while having fun leads to higher satisfaction with the lessons. Benefit for Teachers 1: Improved Work Efficiency: ICT education also offers the benefit of improving work efficiency for teachers. Conducting lessons using digital devices eliminates the hassle of ordering or printing textbooks. Furthermore, by grading assignments online, there is no need to store or prepare physical materials. In today’s environment, where the heavy workload faced by teachers in schools is a growing concern, ICT education is expected to play a key role in reducing this burden. Benefit for Teachers 2: Easier Information Sharing Another benefit of introducing ICT education is that it makes it easier for teachers to share information with one another. By creating materials using software capable of creating documents and spreadsheets, there is no need to print them on paper, making it easy to share them. Furthermore, visualizing the progress of lessons facilitates collaboration with other teachers. Back to Table of Contents: Disadvantages of ICT Education While ICT education offers many advantages, it also has its share of disadvantages. The two main disadvantages are as follows: High Initial Costs Tablets and PCs are not inexpensive to purchase, and they entail a certain cost. A significant expense is incurred at the time of implementation when digital devices must be provided for all students and teachers. In addition, it is not uncommon for digital devices to malfunction. When this happens, they must be repaired or replaced. It is essential to factor in these ongoing costs after implementation, as expenses may exceed initial estimates. Classes Are Interrupted When Problems Occur Since an internet connection is essential for using digital devices, classes must be interrupted if network issues arise. A drawback is that if the internet connection is not restored, the planned lesson cannot proceed as intended. To ensure that class progress is not affected, it is important to plan ahead for how to handle situations where digital devices become unavailable. Return to Table of Contents: What Is Needed to Ensure the Smooth Implementation of ICT Education Although ICT education offers various benefits, it is not uncommon for schools to fail to realize these benefits if the technology is not utilized effectively. To ensure the smooth implementation of ICT education, be sure to confirm the following two points. Clarify the Purpose of Implementing ICT Education It is crucial that ICT education be implemented strictly “for the benefit of the students.” Although it can add to a teacher’s workload, the purpose of implementation must be clearly defined. Before implementing ICT education, teachers must consider what skills they want students to acquire and how they hope students will grow through the program. Utilize External Experts When advancing ICT education, consider utilizing external experts. Since ICT skill levels vary from person to person, even if digital devices are provided, there is no guarantee that teachers will be able to use them effectively. Currently, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is implementing the “ICT Education Advisor Dispatch Program.” Under this program, advisors provide guidance on developing plans for establishing ICT environments and on effective teaching methods. Utilizing advisors who are already well-versed in ICT education can help ensure that the program proceeds smoothly. [Source] Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), “ICT Education Advisor Program” Return to Table of Contents Examples of ICT Education ICT education is being implemented in many schools, and there are numerous examples. Here, we introduce two examples of ICT education. Example 1: Rikkyo Jogakuin Elementary School Rikkyo Jogakuin Elementary School in Tokyo is promoting ICT education under the title “Well Learning Project.” This project is based on the following three principles: A place where children genuinely want to learn An environment where parents can truly feel confident about sending their children to Rikkyo Jogakuin Elementary School A place where teachers are motivated to teach children with passion In addition to opportunities to interact with nature, such as growing vegetables and planting rice, students can also learn how to use computers. Furthermore, there are frequent opportunities to use digital devices, such as iPads for presenting what students have learned through their studies. [Source] Rikkyo Jogakuin Elementary School “Well Learning Project” Example 2: N Junior High School—Learning Anywhere with an Internet Connection N Junior High School includes “Programming Education” in its curriculum. The purpose of programming education is not merely to acquire programming skills. It aims to foster problem-solving abilities and logical thinking while applying knowledge of programming languages. The process begins with a stage focused on acquiring basic ICT skills, such as how to use a computer. Students then select what they want to create—such as a website or a game—and build it themselves. [Source] N Junior High School “Programming Education” Return to Table of Contents Summary In this article, we focused on the benefits of ICT education and introduced the necessary steps and practical examples for implementing it smoothly. ICT education offers benefits for both students and teachers, and when utilized effectively, it can yield significant results. However, rather than introducing it simply to make teachers’ jobs easier, we should focus on finding ways to make it effective for students. ▼You Might Also Like! Recommended Reading Return to Table of Contents

ICT in Education What is ICT? ICT is a term that can be translated as "Information and Communication Technology" or "Information and Communication Technology". It is a word that is increasingly replacing Information Technology (IT). ICT is a word that is attracting a lot of attention. Some of you may not be familiar with it. However, if you look around the world, ICT is widely spread and the word "ICT" is commonly used instead of "IT. Let's learn together about "ICT in Education," which is attracting attention not only in the educational field but also in the IT industry. Table of Contents is here 1. What is ICT education? 2. Advantages of ICT Education 3. Disadvantages of ICT Education 4. Necessity and Prospects of ICT Education 1. What is ICT Education? ICT education refers to educational methods that utilize the Internet and other information and communication technologies, such as PCs, smartphones, and tablet terminals, etc. The history of ICT education began in 2005, when the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology developed it as a teaching method to realize "easy-to-understand classes" for students. This ICT education aims to improve children's independent and collaborative learning and academic skills through the effective use of ICT in educational instruction. In fact, many schools that have adopted this teaching method have reported improvements in students' motivation to learn and academic performance. Why is ICT education necessary now? The reason has to do with the rapid development of information and communication technology. In order to cope with the rapidly changing modern society, "the ability to utilize information" is becoming more and more important. The demand for "ICT education" has been attracting attention in recent years for the purpose of equipping children with "basic knowledge" so that they can independently select, utilize, and manage information and its means. Today, the Internet has become widespread and information is easily accessible. As technology advances in the future, it will become more important to know how to gather information efficiently, rather than to have knowledge as was done in conventional education. 2. Advantages of ICT Education ICT education is attracting attention because it has many advantages for both the children who receive education and the teachers. Easy-to-understand classes ➡Digital tools make it possible to conduct easy-to-understand classes that utilize images and videos for questions and explanations, thereby increasing students' interest and motivation for learning. ➡In addition, the ability to conduct proactive and cooperative classes using tablets, rather than one-way classes from the teacher, also increases students' motivation to learn. ➡It becomes easier for students to actively participate in class. ➡It is possible to appeal to the visual and auditory senses using ICT to convey information that is difficult to convey using textual information alone, making it possible to promote efficient learning while having fun. Even students who are reluctant to raise their hands and speak up can easily participate actively in collaborative editing using PCs. ➡Teachers can conduct classes efficiently. ➡Using PCs and tablets, teachers can expect to reduce the time spent on writing on the board and the time required to prepare handouts. ➡Because they will be dealing with electronic data instead of paper, they will be able to use information more easily, and by using the Internet, they will be able to purchase information faster, which will lead to time savings in their work. Since the data is electronic, it will be easier for faculty members to share information such as materials used. Become familiar with digital devices ➡Digital devices are now indispensable in business. Students will be able to use digital devices that are necessary in society at an early stage. 3. Disadvantages of ICT education As convenient as ICT equipment is, it must be managed and breakdowns must be handled. In addition, care must be taken to prevent information leaks, etc. These factors increase the burden on teachers. It is feared that these factors will increase the burden on teachers. ➡Burden of purchasing terminals ➡When introducing ICT education, it is necessary to purchase specialized equipment. If the equipment is purchased privately, it will be the responsibility of the parents. In addition, costs are also incurred for possible equipment problems that may occur during use, repairs in the event of breakdowns, and the purchase of replacement devices. ➡This may be a burden for teachers who are not familiar with electronic devices. For teachers, it is anticipated that they will be uncomfortable with electronic devices and will not know how to use them well. There is also concern that students' thinking and creativity will decline. ➡While using ICT devices improves learning efficiency, students develop a habit of using the Internet to quickly look up anything, which may lead to a decline in students' thinking and imagination. These are the typical disadvantages of ICT education. 4. Necessity and Prospects of ICT Education ICT education has many advantages, but it also has hidden disadvantages. However, as mentioned above, ICT can be expected to be an effective learning tool in terms of improving class understanding and motivating students to engage in class. So, in what situations will the introduction of ICT be useful for children in the future? As times change and technology advances, ICT will be indispensable in most jobs by the time today's children enter the workforce. Therefore, it is very important to provide opportunities to think about ICT by creating an educational environment that uses ICT. Because they grow up in an educational environment that is in tune with the times, they will be able to use the knowledge they acquire. The introduction of ICT is considered necessary to create an environment in which children will be happy to have received a Japanese education in the future. In the future, parents themselves will need to be flexible and adaptable to the changes of the times, rethinking the nature of education and the way they raise their children. The goal of ICT is not the digitization of education, but the development of an educational environment that makes use of digital technology. One of the objectives of education is to "foster creativity," and if this were the goal, ICT in education utilizing IT and the Internet might not be essential. However, it is very important to acquire knowledge and gain various experiences through the use of IT and the Internet, and if the power of the Internet is utilized to the maximum extent, the creativity of each student will be further enhanced. As the Internet will become commonplace in the information society of the future, I believe that the use of ICT as a tool is one of the skills that should be learned during the school education period. Conclusion ICT in education means sharing information and knowledge between "people and people" and "people and things" respectively, utilizing "information transmission technology" and "information and communication technology". While education offers unprecedented possibilities and efficiency in learning, it also presents many challenges. With the change from analog to digital technology, our daily life and learning environment are constantly changing into something new and more advanced and convenient. In order to survive in the coming era, the term "ICT" will become more familiar to us and will penetrate deeper into our lives. ICT in education can be thought of as "the maintenance, development, and operation of digital educational environments," rather than "the digitalization of education.