NPO Corporation Corporate Education Research Association Launches New Program on Generative AI
The NPO Corporation Corporate Education Research Association (led by President Daisuke Fujikawa, Dean/Professor of Chiba University’s Faculty of Education) has announced the launch of an educational program aimed at elementary school students titled "What is Generative AI?" This initiative has been developed with the support of Accenture as part of their corporate social responsibility activities. The pilot classes for this program will commence in June, with educational materials set to be distributed thereafter.
The Importance of Learning How to Interact with Generative AI
In recent years, generative AI has swiftly permeated our society since the launch of ChatGPT, being utilized across various sectors. Notably, research shows that 66.7% of 10-year-olds connect to the internet via smartphones (source 1). As AI becomes an increasingly familiar presence for elementary students, it becomes essential for them to engage with generative AI early on to understand its basic mechanisms, characteristics, and potential uses.
Educators face a significant challenge in finding effective ways to introduce generative AI to children. The guidelines from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (source 2) emphasize the crucial combination of using AI in the classroom with opportunities to learn about AI itself, understanding its use, and actively applying it across various subjects. While efforts to incorporate generative AI into lessons are on the rise nationwide, our new program endeavors not only to teach students how to use generative AI and its caveats but also to develop their ability to effectively utilize it after grasping its fundamental principles and features.
To further expedite and broaden the dissemination of this generative AI literacy education, we are preparing downloadable materials for educators across the country, alongside in-person guest lectures. Furthermore, there are plans to provide opportunities for media outlets to witness and report on actual classroom sessions of this program.
Overview of the