Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE, SPORTS AND CULTURE 1996 > Priorities and Prospects for a Lifelong Learning Society Chapter 3 Section 1 4

In recent years there has been increasing enthusiasm for the use of multimedia in learning activities. Multimedia technology significantly eases time and distance constraints on learners and also allows learners to send as well as receive information. It has the potential to bring about dramatic changes in learning formats. The use of multimedia should also enable the fine tuning of learning activities to suit the characteristics and wishes of individual learners.

MESSC is conducting corroborative research, including research on the use of multimedia telecommunications to support interactive remote lectures. It has also been promoting the effective use of various media through the New Educational Media Research, Development, and Utilization Project. In 1995 integrated services digital networks (ISDNs) were used in two events under this project. The National Women's Education Centre was linked to the Hokkaido Social Education Center for Forums on Home Education, and the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center was linked to the Fukuoka Prefectural Social Education General Center for Youth Education Symposiums.

In fiscal 1996 MESSC initiated a research and survey program concerning the use of multimedia technology to create advanced information systems for museums. It also launched the Project to Promote the Development of an Advanced Learning System for Citizens' Public Halls Through the Use of Communications Satellites ( Figure 3.2 ). In addition, there have been a variety of efforts relating to the use of multimedia in higher education.

Multimedia telecommunications, which link remote locations using a variety of media, have the potential to alleviate regional imbalances in learning opportunities. The findings of these projects should be progressively implemented.

Figure 3.2. Project to Promote the Development of an Advanced Learning System for Citizens' Public Halls Through the Use of Communications Satellites

Remote lectures via communications satellite(A Forum on Home Education. /A Youth Education Symposium.)

As discussed earlier in this section, the University of the Air plays an extremely important role in the expansion of advanced educational opportunities for the general public. It is vital that there is continued steady progress toward nationwide coverage.