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PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture

Computers, videotex, high-definition television and other new information media nave brought about a great potential for the development of new systems of learning which will overcome spacio-temporal limitations, for the enrichment of individualized instruction, for the diversification of learning opportunities, and for making learning more efficient.

With regards to the utilization of computers in school education, the Ministry has designated pilot schools (63 schools in 1992) for conducting studies on the utilization of computers in school education. The Ministry also commissions some prefectural boards of education and other organizations to conduct studies on the utilization of computers and to develop model software of high quality to be used in school instruction.

Furthermore, various attempts are being conducted with a view to developing the utilization of new information media for the improvement of learning systems.

Regarding the University of the Air, the Ministry is conducting investigative research on the fundamental issues of the future management of the University including the use of broadcast satellites. The National Institute of Multi-media Education has been engaged in research and development of the content and methods of university education using multi-media.

The Ministry has also been conducting studies regarding the use of this new information media for educational purposes. It is carrying out basic studies such as a project for developing effective multi-media teaching materials in which computers, video tape recorders and video disks, etc., are used in an integral way.