#Japan #Tokyo #Kyoto University #Uchida Yoko #LEAF System

Uchida Yoko Introduces the 'LEAF System' in Primary and Secondary Education

In a significant advancement for educational technology, Uchida Yoko Co., Ltd., based in Tokyo, has announced the launch of the 'LEAF System,' a learning analytics tool developed by the Kyoto University Academic Center for Media Studies, aimed at primary and secondary educational institutions. This new system, available from May 7, is designed to help educators and students easily analyze their learning history, including digital textbook viewing habits and notes taken on educational materials. By doing so, it seeks to foster more personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students.

Background of the 'LEAF System' Launch

The launch of the 'LEAF System' comes in the wake of Japan's GIGA School initiative, which has equipped elementary, middle, and high schools with digital devices for each student and fast network connections. Despite the rapid integration of digital learning tools, there remains a critical challenge in utilizing the collected data for educational enhancements and in reflecting personalized learning paths for students. Since 2020, Uchida Yoko has been collaborating with Kyoto University's media center to gather data on student understanding and the alleviation of educators’ workloads through pilot studies conducted in research cooperating schools across Kyoto and Shiga prefectures. The effectiveness of the 'LEAF System' was validated in a Ministry of Education initiative in 2022, further supporting its launch.

In developing this product, the user interface and functionality of the 'LEAF System' have been significantly upgraded, creating a more intuitive and user-friendly environment for both students and teachers.

Features of the 'LEAF System'

The 'LEAF System' consists of three main components: the digital textbook distribution system (BookRoll), the data analysis tool (Log Palette), and the Learning Record Store (LRS).

• - BookRoll allows educators to upload digital textbooks in PDF format, which can then be easily accessed by students via web browsers on their devices. Students can engage with the materials by highlighting text, taking notes, and navigating the pages. All activities are recorded in the LRS, which tracks various learning metrics.
• - Log Palette analyzes and visualizes the 'learning logs' stored in the LRS. For instance, it can create a heatmap that overlays highlighted markers on educational content, clearly identifying areas of emphasis. Furthermore, it can generate word clouds that consolidate the most frequently highlighted words from these markers. This helps educators gain insights into students' understanding and identify specific areas where they may struggle, effectively informing lesson preparation and tailoring learning support to individual needs.

• - User Experience Enhancements

To enhance usability on tablets, the operational menu in BookRoll is positioned around the materials, ensuring students can easily navigate and access functions pertinent to their learning activities.

Cost of Deployment

The annual licensing fee for the 'LEAF System' is set at 600 yen per student (before tax), with the final cost varying based on the number of users. Additional implementation costs may apply.

Furthermore, the 'LEAF System' integrates seamlessly with Uchida Yoko's learning e-portal, 'L-Gate,' allowing for an automatic login experience through single sign-on functionality. Currently, 'L-Gate' is utilized by approximately 427,000 accounts across around 12,600 schools in Japan, supporting a broad data ecosystem for personalized learning experiences.

Next Steps for Educational Data Utilization

Looking ahead, Uchida Yoko plans to aggregate learning logs from 'L-Gate' and the 'LEAF System' in accordance with international technical standards and APIs. This will enable a holistic view of student learning experiences and help further the goal of leveraging data for individualized learning.

Whether you are an educator seeking to enhance your teaching strategies or a student eager for a more engaged learning journey, the 'LEAF System' promises to be a valuable tool in transforming educational practices across Japan.

For more information, visit Uchida Yoko's website.

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### About Uchida Yoko
Uchida Yoko has been a pioneer in educational ICT solutions and has expanded its services to include cloud offerings and comprehensive support since the establishment of its Educational Research Institute in 1998. Its efforts include participation in various government educational programs, constant innovation in learning technologies, and extending its reach into international education markets.