Introduction
In the ever-evolving field of educational technology, the "MIRAI TOUCH" electronic blackboard, developed by Satsuki Inc., has made significant headway, surpassing an impressive milestone of 70,000 units shipped. This growth is attributed to its successful integration into schools and institutions nationwide, especially following the GIGA School Initiative aimed at enhancing digital learning environments. Recently, a special discussion was featured on Kokuban BASE—an experiential platform for comparing electronic blackboards—where key insights into the design philosophy and the future trajectory of MIRAI TOUCH were shared by industry experts.
Key Features
The MIRAI TOUCH stands out not merely due to its boastful array of advanced functionalities but because of its proactive approach to addressing potential challenges in educational settings. During a discussion, Ryo Nose, Satsuki's Executive Director, cited the case of implementation in Hiroshima City, where the complexity of external tuners posed risks of faults during important events, such as the Peace Memorial Ceremony. Thus, Satsuki developed an integrated TV tuner model to mitigate complications.
This principle of preventing issues before they arise is fully embodied by the innovative design choices in the latest model, featuring a top-mounted speaker arrangement. This design decision ensures that audio maintains uniformity throughout the classroom, catering to the growing demands for video-based learning and AI integration without needing feedback from users before implementation.
Inclusivity in Education
As classrooms become more diverse, particularly with students for whom Japanese is a second language, the necessity for inclusivity has never been greater. The MIRAI TOUCH aims to facilitate access to information without cumbersome special operations through its unique features.
The proprietary translation app, "MIRAI LIVE," provides real-time multilingual translation of teachers' spoken words, while the direct bonding technology ensures that even students seated at angles can view information clearly, without glare.
Ryo Nose's firsthand experiences, including the eye-opening moment he observed the challenges faced when viewing the blackboard from the hallway, spurred the development of these functions, ultimately fostering equal learning opportunities for every student, including those with language apprehensions and those seated in less favorable positions.
Vertical Integration for Quality
Satsuki's commitment to delivering high-performance yet reasonably priced products stems from its vertical integration model, which oversees the entire process from design to manufacturing and sales. This model allows the company to maintain strict quality control and fully comprehend how each component can affect overall performance. Unique structure patents, such as those relating to integrated downward-facing cameras, are the result of a deep understanding of both educational and manufacturing environments, enabling the creation of reliable products that meet customer expectations.
Future Outlook
Having established itself as an essential infrastructure in education with over 70,000 units delivered, Satsuki Inc. recognizes the importance of bolstering its support systems. Moving forward, it will enhance its responsiveness through AI solutions and ensure knowledgeable sales representatives offer impactful suggestions. The company sees this not merely as a sales goal but as a continuing responsibility to support users long after the installation.
For more information on this engaging discussion and the educational insights shared, visit Kokuban BASE to read the complete transcript.
Read the full discussion on Kokuban BASE
About Kokuban BASE
Kokuban BASE, operated by Idea Spot, is a repository dedicated to comparing and experiencing various electronic blackboards, providing educational institutions with valuable insights on selection and usage. The platform disseminates information on the latest trends in educational ICT, supported by comparisons and case studies from active educators.
Visit the official Kokuban BASE site
About Satsuki Inc.
Founded in 1931, Satsuki Inc. operates in environmental solutions, IT solutions, and home appliance component sectors. The company is actively addressing Japan’s educational challenges through its IT solutions division. The MIRAI TOUCH electronic blackboard, user-friendly for teachers of all backgrounds, has become a crucial part of digital learning in various educational settings.
Explore Satsuki Inc.’s official site