JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994[PART II Chapter 11 Section 3 2]

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

Examples of learning systems based on the use of information media, such as television and radio, include school broadcasting and the activities of the University of the Air. More recently, learning systems based on a wide range of information media have begun to reach the practical implementation stage. For example, the National Institute of Multimedia Education is conducting research and development activities relating to the content and methods of university education based on the use of broadcasting and various other media. In addition, some school corporations are now using satellite communications and computers to distribute parts of their information processing courses in image form to related special training colleges throughout Japan.

There are many other ways to use new information media. One concept is the use of CD-ROM technology, which allows large volumes of information to be stored on compact discs. This medium is already in use in the electronic publishing of various works, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, and also has potential for database applications.

High-definition TV, which offers substantially better resolution and clarity than conventional TV, can be used as a visual educational tool thanks to its ability to supply detailed visual information. It is also being used for a wide range of other purposes. In museums and art galleries, for example, it is being employed to create image databases of collections and to provide supplementary information as an aid to the understanding of works of art.

Another technology that has emerged in recent years is multimedia, which has potential for utilization in individual study activities. In March 1992 the Educational Media Subcommittee of the Social Education Committee of the Lifelong Learning Council published a report titled "Development of Audiovisual Education Based on the Use of New Educational Media." One of the issues discussed in this report was the application of multimedia and high-definition TV to educational activities.

On the basis of this report, in fiscal 1992 the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture began to implement the General Research and Development Program Concerning New Educational Media. This program consists of

(1) the organization of the Consultative Committee for Research and Surveys Regarding Applications of New Educational Media (Development Promotion Committee),
(2) the commissioning of developmental research concerning educational uses of multimedia and related matters,
(3) the designation of pilot schools for research and surveys concerning media for audiovisual education, and
(4) the provision of training courses on the development of multimedia educational materials.


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