#Aoba-BBT #Hybrid Education #AirCampus

Aoba-BBT's Vision for the Future of Regional Education

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, Aoba-BBT, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is stepping up to support regional universities through its advanced remote education platform, AirCampus®. The company fully backs the Ministry of Education's recent easing of regulations regarding remote classes and faculty recruitment in regional institutions. As many local universities grapple with daunting challenges, Aoba-BBT is at the forefront of solutions that can help revitalize these institutions.

The Current Crisis Faced by Regional Universities

Regional universities are facing three critical issues:
1. Declining Enrollment: According to the Ministry's estimates, by 2050, about 30% of university seats may remain unfilled.
2. Difficulty in Securing Faculty: Regional universities struggle with constraints related to specialization, locality, and budgets, making it tough to attract qualified instructors.
3. Insufficient Differentiation in Educational Quality: With a tendency toward uniformity in curricula, there is a noticeable decline in career-oriented relevance.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Education aims to revise university establishment standards by 2025. This includes relaxing the upper limits on online classes within graduation credits and increasing flexibility in minimum teaching loads for professors. These changes signify a pivotal opportunity to maintain educational quality while ensuring the sustainability of university operations.

Collaboration with Hokuriku Gakuin University: A Hybrid Educational Model

In anticipation of these policy shifts, Aoba-BBT is collaborating with Hokuriku Gakuin University in Ishikawa Prefecture. They plan to introduce a hybrid educational model within a new department, the Department of Social Management (tentative name), set to launch in April 2026. This innovative program will feature:

• - Years 1 & 2: In-person classes on campus.
• - Years 3 & 4: Fully online classes via AirCampus®.
• - Integrated Curriculum: Combining sociology and management studies to develop professionals capable of thriving in both community and business sectors.
• - Industry Leaders as Instructors: Courses will be taught by active business executives and strategic consultants to equip students with practical skills.
• - Supportive Learning Environment: Dedicated faculty and class advisors will provide tailored academic support.

This model allows universities to mitigate the financial burden of hiring specialized faculty while delivering quality education comparable to urban centers. For students, it lowers commuting and accommodation costs while broadening educational choices.

Aoba-BBT's Comprehensive Support for Universities

Aoba-BBT recognizes the integral role of robust educational infrastructure in transforming regional university challenges into opportunities. The company offers a full suite of support services for universities contemplating the implementation of remote education:

• - Course Materials: Providing content based on the successes of its MBA and vocational programs, covering topics like Digital Transformation (DX) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• - Instructor Support: Arranging for lectures from practicing business leaders and professionals.
• - Student Support Systems: Utilizing AirCampus® to manage assignments, attendance, discussions, and grading.
• - Curriculum Design Assistance: Supporting the development of academic departments tailored to regional and industry needs while providing application advice.
• - Marketing and Student Recruitment: Strategies for diversifying student demographics and recruiting new learners through innovative hybrid course designs.

Partnering for Future Education Solutions

Aoba-BBT is actively seeking partnerships with universities nationwide to tackle educational management challenges head-on. They aim to collaborate as a