#Japan #Generative AI #Tokyo #Tokyo University #Metaverse Engineering

Tokyo University’s Metaverse Engineering Department Offers Insight into Generative AI

The Metaverse Engineering Department at the University of Tokyo has made a substantial impact by providing free online courses dedicated to the fascinating world of Generative AI. After launching its 'Junior Course' aimed at elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as parents and teachers, the recordings of these courses have garnered over 10,000 views. This initiative not only highlights the growing importance of understanding Generative AI but also enables individuals who missed the live sessions to access the valuable content at their own convenience.

On August 10th and 11th, 2022, these insightful online seminars showcased the various applications and implications of Generative AI through demonstrations and practical examples of AI-generated content. The courses were designed to be accessible and engaging, systematically breaking down complex concepts while addressing participant inquiries. This interactive format encouraged dialogue and engagement, revealing the importance of questioning the authenticity and reliability of AI-generated information.

Course Details and Video Archive

The courses were tailored for different audiences, ensuring that each age group could grasp the essentials of Generative AI effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the available courses:

• - For Elementary School Students: "Let's Learn Together! What is Generative AI?" Watch Here
• - For Middle School Students: "Understanding Generative AI" Watch Here
• - For High School Students: "Fundamentals of Generative AI" Watch Here
• - For Parents: "Fundamentals of Generative AI for Parents" Watch Here
• - For Teachers: Comprehensive course covering both fundamental and application aspects of Generative AI Watch Here. A focused one-hour session titled "Introduction to Generative AI for Education" is also available for teachers, scheduled for August 22, 2025. Sign Up Here

The Department aims for the videos not only to educate but to inspire a broader public discourse around Generative AI by making information widely available.

Audience Responses

The feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Young participants learned that while AI can provide correct answers, it may sometimes produce inaccurate information. This highlights the need for critical engagement with AI outputs, underscoring the message to verify information before use.
In another instance, a high school student shared insights gained from the courses about various AI services and the risks associated, such as hallucinations and copyright issues. Meanwhile, parents found the sessions beneficial for understanding how to guide their children in using Generative AI effectively.

About the Course Instructor

The course was led by Associate Professor Rui Yoshida from the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo. His expertise lies in educational technology, with a focus on faculty development, Generative AI, active learning, and online education. He has authored several books, including the "Handbook of Learning Assessment" and has conducted numerous training sessions on the effective use of Generative AI in education. Additionally, Yoshida is actively involved in revising guidelines for utilizing Generative AI in primary and secondary education.

A Vision for the Future

The Metaverse Engineering Department of the University of Tokyo is dedicated to creating a society where everyone can acquire current knowledge and practical skills in engineering. Through the collaborative efforts of academia and industry, the department focuses on cultivating digital transformation (DX) talent by providing various educational programs for both youths and adults.
The Junior Course, primarily targeting middle and high school students, aims to ignite interest in engineering and information through collaborations with industry. All courses are available online and free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties. For more information, courses can be explored here.

Additionally, a monthly newsletter is available, detailing upcoming classes and events related to the Junior Course subscribe here.

The Metaverse Engineering Department is also home to a wealth of archived videos from previously held Junior Courses, further enhancing the platform’s educational offerings. Explore the playlist here, and visit their official YouTube channel here for more content.

Conclusion

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, initiatives like those from Tokyo University are pivotal in preparing the next generation to harness the power of AI responsibly and effectively. The commitment to widespread knowledge dissemination is essential in navigating the future of tech in our society.