#Japan #HADO #Meleap #Shikoku Chuo

Shikoku Chuo City Kawanoe Elementary School Introduces AR Sport HADO

In a groundbreaking move, Shikoku Chuo City Kawanoe Elementary School located in Ehime Prefecture has officially adopted the innovative Augmented Reality (AR) sport, HADO, as a part of its physical education curriculum starting in the 2025 academic year. Developed and operated by Meleap Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, HADO has already gained traction in over 2,000 schools globally, marking its burgeoning popularity in Japan's educational sector.

The Overview of HADO

HADO represents a new frontier in sports by merging physical activity with digital technology. Participants wear headsets and arm sensors, allowing them to engage in virtual battles using energy balls and shields. This hybrid sport emphasizes strategy and teamwork, fostering critical thinking, cooperation, and decision-making skills among students. Its appealing aspect lies in its inclusivity; regardless of individual athletic abilities, all students can enjoy and compete on the same playing field.

Reasons Behind HADO's Adoption

The school's initiative to include HADO was driven by a desire to create a more inclusive environment where every child can actively participate in sports. Through trial sessions, several positive outcomes were observed:

1. Inclusivity for All Skill Levels: HADO doesn’t rely exclusively on physical strengths, enabling children who typically struggle with sports to experience success in physical education.

2. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: The strategic aspects of HADO encourage students to discuss and work together, fostering a sense of community within classrooms. This cooperative learning dynamic positively influences classroom management as well.

3. Encouragement for Reluctant Attendees: The engaging nature of HADO lowers psychological barriers for anxious students, providing them with motivation to attend school. The fun factor acts as a catalyst for those who might otherwise avoid traditional sports.

4. Application Across Various Educational Units: HADO's versatility allows it to connect with multiple educational objectives, leading to self-initiated learning beyond physical education alone, including critical thinking and spatial awareness.

Insights from Educators

Shuhei Nishimoto, a teacher at Kawanoe Elementary, expressed, "HADO’s main appeal is its ability to engage every student regardless of their athletic capacity. Even kids who usually feel anxious about participating in PE classes find joy in playing. The communicative nature of developing strategies has fostered better relationships among students, positively impacting classroom dynamics. We’ve seen significant improvements, especially among students who have withdraw tendencies, as HADO has encouraged their return to school. The opportunity for children to compete seriously with adults showcases HADO’s unique advantage. We aspire to facilitate deeper learning through dialogue with our students going ahead."

Recognition for Innovative Initiative

The success of HADO's integration in Kawanoe Elementary was recognized when it won the Grand Prix in the Digital Education Integration category at the Regional Revitalization Award, which is organized by the Public-Private Partnership Promotion Organization. The award ceremony took place on October 22, 2023, during the 3rd Public-Private Partnership Promotion Seminar, highlighting the school's progressive approach to education.

The Vision of Meleap

Meleap, the company behind HADO, strives to cultivate a society where everyone can enjoy physical activity and develop a healthy lifestyle through engaging experiences. The organization believes that AR technology can create magical experiences that transcend age and athletic ability, allowing participants to immerse themselves fully in this innovative activity. Currently, HADO is available in over 39 countries, aiming to continue expanding its reach and impact.

In conclusion, the incorporation of HADO in the physical education curriculum not only enriches the students' athletic experiences but also contributes to developing essential life skills, making it a valuable addition to modern education.