From May 12, 2025, Konica Minolta Japan will launch its innovative AI service, "Tōritsū AI", that aims to enhance learning experiences for around 160,000 students and staff in 256 public schools across Tokyo. This initiative aligns with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's 2050 Tokyo Strategy, designed to ensure safe and effective use of generative AI in schools.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education has been actively working on generative AI research. In the fiscal year 2023, they designated nine public schools as research schools for this purpose, with an additional 20 schools selected for the next fiscal year. Following this gradual research phase, the expansion allows all public schools in Tokyo to effectively utilize this groundbreaking technology. Konica Minolta has built the largest educational generative AI platform in Japan for elementary and secondary education, ready for smooth deployment within just a month of receipt of the order.
Features of Tōritsū AI
1.
Safe and Secure Environment
The data inputted by students will not be used for training the generative AI. Moreover, it includes filtering functionalities to prevent inappropriate interactions.
2.
Advanced Generative AI Models
The platform supports advanced models provided by OpenAI, specifically the lightweight version GPT 4o-mini and above, allowing for faster and cost-effective responses compared to previous models like GPT-4. Future updates will continue to enhance its capabilities.
3.
Dedicated Environment for Tokyo Public Schools
This generative AI service operates solely within a tenant dedicated to the Tokyo Metropolitan area, enabling smooth use for all 160,000 users.
4.
Immediate Usability in Educational Settings
The platform is equipped with templates and features to create custom AI that align with various educational activities, ensuring immediate practical application in classroom settings.
Some Functionalities of Tōritsū AI
- - Chat Functionality: Engage in dialogue with generative AI and input images.
- - Custom AI Creation: Use specific datasets and behaviors to tailor the generative AI experience.
- - Prompt Template Functionality: Quickly utilize effective generative AI interactions through predefined prompt templates.
Practical Applications of Tōritsū AI
1.
Generative AI in Classrooms
Drawing from practical examples in the research schools during 2023-2024, the service will streamline lesson development and assessment of experimental results.
2.
Support for Inquiry-Based Learning
The AI will assist students throughout their inquiry processes—from gathering and organizing information to data analysis and creating presentation materials.
3.
Efficiency in Administrative Tasks
The generative AI can draft standard administrative documents, reducing the workload for teachers and enabling them to concentrate more on educational activities.
Konica Minolta Japan's Commitment to Education
Since 2019, Konica Minolta Japan has been addressing various challenges in the educational sector, such as diverse learning needs among students and the pressing issue of teacher shortages. The company has been providing learning support services, such as "tomoLinks", aimed at tailoring learning experiences to individual needs using generative AI and data analytics. This initiative comprises services like collaborative learning support and AI-assisted learning for teachers. These programs will facilitate the effective utilization of educational data, promoting personalized and efficient learning environments for every student.
About tomoLinks and Its Generative AI
With the "Chatto mo Sink™" feature, tomoLinks offers a safe, interactive generative AI suitable for collaborative and inquiry-based learning. The importance of integrating generative AI into school education is increasingly recognized, facilitating skills such as problem identification, deepening personal thoughts, and comparing diverse viewpoints. Enhanced safety measures, including harmful word filtering and monitoring of student usage, ensure that educators and all students, even those under 13, can engage with generative AI in a secure educational context.
In summary, the introduction of the Tōritsū AI service marks a significant milestone in Tokyo's educational landscape, equipping future generations with the essential skills and knowledge for the AI era.