PART II Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 11. The Shift to an Information-Oriented Society: Implications for Education, Science, Culture, and Sports
Section 1. Responses of Educational Administration to the Shift to an Information-Oriented Society
1. Promoting the Shift to an Information-Oriented Society in Education, Science, Culture, and Sports
The range of information media has expanded to include not only books and television but also computers, advanced information networks, satellite communications, and satellite broadcasting. Global information networks are being developed, enabling information to be transmitted and received swiftly. In the business world, the use of information devices has led to greater efficiency and various other changes. Many products that we use in our daily lives now have built-in microprocessors that enhance their convenience, while videotex and other systems have enhanced access to a variety of lifestyle information. Meanwhile, cultural pursuits and recreational activities have been enriched by such products as videocassette recorders, videodiscs, and video games. The advancing shift to an information-oriented society has also reduced the barriers of time and distance and enabled us to build new types of communities through information networks.
The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture is developing a variety of policies in response to the progressive shift to an information-oriented society. These policies include
(1) fostering information literacy, including the ability to obtain desired information from the vast quantities of information available and to use that information efficiently,
(2) applying new information media in education, science, culture, and sports,
(3) developing highly skilled technical personnel to lead the shift to an information-oriented society, and
(4) adapting educational facilities to the shift to an information-oriented society and developing information networks.
