#Japan #Accenture #Chiba #NPO #educational research

Launch of AI Educational Material for Elementary Schools

The Educational Research Association (ACE), an NPO led by Professor Daisuke Fujikawa from Chiba University, has officially released its AI teaching package for elementary schools, titled "What is Generative AI?". This initiative, supported by Accenture, aims to connect schools, businesses, and universities, creating a society where everyone can contribute to education. The launch took place on March 16 and the materials are now available for schools and educational institutions nationwide.

After successful pilot classes, ACE has expanded the program across the country, offering free online training for teachers and distributing educational materials via their website. This move addresses the ongoing demand for curriculums that incorporate generative AI education, particularly as educators face challenges such as limited preparation time and the need for specialized knowledge.

Easy-to-Use Teaching Package

The designed curriculum enables teachers to hold classes with minimal preparation. In light of the increasing interest in AI education, many busy teachers have expressed concerns regarding the time required for preparation and the need for deep understanding of AI concepts. This program aims to resolve such issues, providing materials that can be immediately implemented in classrooms.

The materials cover not only the basics of AI and its conveniences but also the potential risks attached, such as the dangers of blindly trusting AI responses and the need to safeguard personal information. Interactive elements like quizzes and demonstrations ensure that students remain engaged and interested.

Comprehensive Lesson Scripts

Included in the teaching package is a detailed lesson script that guides teachers through class progression, student interactions, and explanations of technical terminology. This user-friendly script allows for high-quality instruction without the need for prior material creation.

The course is designed to fit into a standard 45-minute class, making it an easy addition to comprehensive learning sessions or ICT education.

Safety for Young Learners

Recognizing the importance of safety for students under 13, the program uses a demonstration format where teachers operate the AI. This method alleviates concerns about direct operation by students, allowing for cautious and effective teaching.

The educational resources also include slides and detailed teaching plans. Teachers can download these and customize their classes according to their needs. The plans outline timing for questions and provide clear instructions for computer operations during demonstrations.

In these sessions, teachers will input prompts for AI interactions, leading a collective analysis of AI responses with the entire class. This enables students to observe and discuss the AI's outputs collaboratively, enriching their understanding of the topic.

For insights into previous classes and student reactions, refer to the activity report available on the ACE's official website: Activity Report.

Free Online Teacher Training

To address any apprehensions from teachers about delivering the content, the program offers a free training session led by Accenture professionals, who specialize in the latest AI knowledge. This training, based on the curriculum, lasts approximately 90 minutes and is designed to enhance teacher confidence in utilizing generative AI within their teaching.

Application for Materials and Training

All interested parties can find materials for download and sign up for the training through the official site: Application Page.

Expert Commentary

Professor Daisuke Fujikawa has stated, "Generative AI has the potential to significantly influence the learning experiences of children and the structure of society. It is vital for schools to not just decide whether to use AI, but to engage in learning with a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms, characteristics, and limitations. We have developed these materials to reduce the preparation burden for teachers while facilitating meaningful learning experiences in the classroom. We hope this leads to students comprehending and critically thinking about generative AI."

About Accenture's Support

Accenture, a leading global consulting firm, has been supporting the development of educational materials since 2015, as part of their commitment to social contribution activities, which also involve fostering STEAM talent. Throughout the development of the AI teaching materials, Accenture provided both financial assistance and expert insights regarding generative AI.

Accenture embodies a mission to create a more sustainable and responsible world economy while tackling social issues in collaboration with clients, partners, and community organizations. Their focus on empowering underrepresented groups through employment and entrepreneurship reinforces their commitment to impactful societal change. More information about Accenture's social initiatives can be found at Accenture Citizenship.

About ACE

Established in 2003, the Educational Research Association (ACE) is a NPO originating from Chiba University, aiming to create a society where everyone can contribute to education. ACE specializes in developing new lesson programs and educational materials for elementary, middle, and high schools by connecting businesses with educational institutions.