In a fast-paced society, changes are necessary even if it has to challenge the conventions of past practices. For instance, online study or e-learning has been introduced to the educational system. Japan, as one of the leaders in the educational field, progressively adapts with such an alternative.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Learning Platforms
- E-Learning in Japan - the Current Situation
- Benefits of Online Study in Japan
- Summary
Introduction to Learning Platforms
In this technological savvy world, it is apparent how the digital world has grown. With only a smartphone at hand, there are countless things you could do. Watch movies, read news, pay bills, and learn new things. Yes, with the help of the internet and some learning platforms, you can definitely study whenever and wherever you are.
Understanding the Learning Platform
“Learning platform” is the all-encompassing term for an online study or e-learning service. In simple terms, it is the instrument used for learning through the world-wide web. A plethora of features are present that can help different users with their respective needs including content management, communication tools, and curriculum planning.
An effective learning platform can provide practical benefits to its users. Some of the benefits are but not limited to the following:
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Both pupils and teachers can easily access learning materials at the comfort of their home through the internet.
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Teachers can easily give reports to pupil's grades and progress directly to the parents through the learning platform.
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Administration and management can track the progress of single or multiple students; increase communication through teachers, students and parents.
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Students can study in their own style as materials are easily accessible; they can communicate directly to their teachers through emails, forums or live discussion.
Some platforms like Skillshare approach e-learning formally, giving certificates after course completion. Some other learning platforms are Udemy, which has more than 20,000 subjects to choose from, and has more than 12 million students and WizIQ is the favorite of instructors who want to give live and on-demand webinars.
Present conditions increase consideration for learning Platforms
Not only Japan but also the whole world is fighting against the spread of the novel coronavirus. Although schools and universities are now open after the state of emergency has been lifted from Tokyo and other prefectures, many institutions have experienced a decline in students due to the said pandemic.
Therefore, the use of learning platforms has been given consideration due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Implementing this alternative can help combat the spread of the virus as students can attend classes at home.
The commonly used way in Japan is by video conferencing through an app called Zoom, Google Meet, or other video-calling software. Some instructors hold their classes live while others choose to pre-record their lessons and let their students watch when classes start, while others give out materials/modules to read with corresponding assignments.
Writer's Pick
E-Learning in Japan - the Current Situation
Government efforts to engage the primary and secondary levels for e-learning
Online classes have not been widely used in schools throughout Japan, and it became even more apparent in the pandemic. One identifiable reason is maybe, lack of expertise of teachers in using the equipment and the technology, or the time involved in the preparation being potentially longer compared to the normal room teaching set-up. Places in rural areas where internet connectivity is scarce proved difficult to implement said learning.
The good thing is that the Japanese government is actively involved in implementing alternatives to catch up with the rest of the world. In fact, at the beginning of the 21st century, Japan passed a basic law on the advancement of the Information Technology Revolution and communication network for educational usage as important national policies for further education and learning in Japan. Overall, the use of the internet for teaching plus the new advanced online media is now being utilized and adopted as the new norm.
※ Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development,"7th OECD/Japan Seminar on E-learning in Post-Secondary Education: Trends, Issues and Policy Challenges Ahead," p.1
Tertiary education has already adopted online study/ e-learning
Primary and secondary levels are taking a while to adapt to the new norm of education in Japan, nevertheless, there are some colleges and universities who have already implemented online studies since 2013. With the introduction of e-learning, the University of Tokyo spearheaded the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Japan. MOOCs is a learning platform that lets students take online courses for free, plus awards a free certificate as proof of completion. There are a multitude of courses offered from Computer Science to Electrical Engineering. To learn more about their online courses, visit here:
The University of Tokyo's Coursera
Another institution that offers studying online is Kyoto University. The institution boasts a free, open publication of course materials on their OpenCourseWare website. KyotoU also utilizes the MOOCs learning platform to offer their courses. The only difference is that the verified certificate given after course completion cost a few Yen. The selection is also massive so you can be satisfied regardless of which institution you choose from. Details of their online courses can be found here:
Kyoto University OpenCourseWare
Each individual has a different way of learning, some through reading and writing, while others from watching and listening. That is why different strategies can also be used through online studies.
Benefits of Online Study in Japan
Here’s how you can take advantage of the advancement of online learning in Japan.
Learn Japanese online for free
The internet is a wonderful resource to learn any language, and what better way to learn Japanese by studying in Japan online. As it is very easy to access the web, there are many institutions in Japan focused primarily on teaching Japanese to foreigners and international students.
Japan Foundation is known for its Japanese e-learning platform called Minato. Through Minato, users can take different online Japanese courses, communicate with other learners around the world, and you can do this anytime, anywhere across the globe.
There are other mobile apps you can download to study Japanese like Duolingo and Mondly, raise your fluency level using LingoDeer or take free lessons using Busuu, and many more.
Take Japanese college courses online
If language is not your preference, but you still want to learn in Japan, luckily there are options for you. As mentioned earlier, Tokyo University and Kyoto University both provide studying Japanese courses through their respective MOOCs. Below are some of the university websites that offers online study as well:
Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) MOOCs
The Open University of Japan (Moodle) Online Courses
Tokyo Online University Degree
Keio University Short Online Courses
You can enroll and study based on your own schedule. Some prefer this option when taking their post graduate degrees because they have more freedom in handling their time.
If you are a foreigner who is planning to work in Japan, then obtaining a degree in Japan or at least taking an online Japanese course is a big step towards your goal. Thanks to digital advancement, getting Japanese degrees has been easier by way of online studies. Not only is it convenient for foreigners, but everyone can also study in the comfort of their homes.
Summary
Technology makes life easier if used correctly, just like how Japan and other foreign countries have been effectively adopting e-learning. Through continuing efforts and advancements, this new convention continues to improve Japan's online education. Online study has its advantages and disadvantages, but if leveraged correctly, major benefits such as ease of use, convenience, and cost-savings could be achieved. With the country’s advanced technology, Japan is still in a great spot to develop and further advance its educational system competitive around the world. Check their online educational sources and maybe, one fits your needs!
