#Japan #Tokyo #AI Workshop #Kurilabo #STEM Leaders

Engaging Future Innovators: AI and Career Workshop for Middle School Girls

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, nurturing creativity among the youth is crucial. On January 25, 2023, Tokyo initiated the first workshop aimed at empowering middle school girls interested in technology and careers in science and engineering. This event, part of the "Tokyo Kids Creative Lab" (often referred to as KuriLabo), focuses on providing children with accessible opportunities to engage with digital tools and cultivate their creative skills.

The workshop, titled "Discovering AI and Career Opportunities for Middle School Girls," was designed to spark interest in STEM fields and promote discussions around career paths. A significant number of registrations demonstrated the enthusiasm for this initiative, with participants engaging in not just discussions, but hands-on digital creation experiences.

Panel Discussions: Insights from Professional Women

The workshop comprised two main parts. The first segment involved a panel discussion led by female employees from esteemed organizations such as Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS and Sony Music Entertainment. These professionals shared their career journeys, discussing the crossroads in their career paths, the similarities and differences between their interests in middle school and their current roles, and offering valuable advice to young participants.

Following the panel, participants broke into smaller groups where they could engage directly with the panelists. This interactive session served as a valuable opportunity for these young girls to explore the excitement of different careers in a friendly and encouraging environment.

Taking part in the event were high school students and university students from a non-profit organization, STEM Leaders. Their involvement facilitated meaningful dialogue across generations, fostering an atmosphere of support and camaraderie.

Creative Experience: Chatbot Development with Generative AI

The second part of the workshop offered an engaging digital creation experience using generative AI. Participants collaborated with Mitsubishi Research Institute DCS to design a chatbot aimed at assisting teenagers in everyday life. The process began with each participant brainstorming ideas for their chatbot using generative AI technology, followed by group discussions to refine these concepts.

The presence of high school and university students proved invaluable, as they guided the younger participants through brainstorming sessions, enriching conversations and boosting creativity. As different generations worked together, the excitement was palpable, resulting in vibrant discussions fueled by fresh ideas.

Groups then created their chatbots using generative AI, which culminated in a showcase session where they tested each bot and exchanged feedback on their creations. This hands-on experience allowed participants to learn about prompt engineering and effective communication with AI systems. Participants expressed their enjoyment and the educational value of developing practical skills in a supportive, creative environment.

Positive Feedback: A Successful Engagement

In a survey following the event, all participants responded positively, noting that they found the workshop enjoyable and that it provided a great opportunity to think about their future careers. Some commented on the value of discussing their interests face-to-face and receiving direct answers to their questions, highlighting the tangible benefits of personal interaction in a learning context. Parents also echoed positive sentiments, noting the success of promoting cross-grade communication and appreciating the unique learning experiences that diverged from typical school settings.

Tokyo’s commitment to fostering creativity through digital tools continues, ensuring that children not only obtain technical skills but are also encouraged to dream big about their futures.

For more information, visit the KuriLabo website.

This initiative aligns with the "2050 Tokyo Strategy," promoting a smart city that enhances the quality of life for all residents.