Through "Mirai Seed"
I want to support it. Taking on the role of DX in education.
The practical skills of teachers nationwide

The digitalization of classes accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To support schools struggling with this situation...

First, please tell us about the features of "Mirai Seed".

Okabe

This is learning support software that includes drills and collaborative learning tools for use in tablet-based lessons. While there are other software programs that specialize in single functions, this one is being praised for combining multiple functions needed in schools into a single program.

As the digitalization of lessons progresses, it seems that the use of "MiraiSeed" is also spreading.

Okabe

We have been offering this service since 2014, but interest has increased due to the GIGA School Initiative's digital transformation (DX) of school education, and it has been adopted by approximately 8,000 elementary and junior high schools nationwide (as of April 2022).

However, some teachers say, "I can't imagine a scenario where I would use it. I'm not confident using digital technology in the classroom." But if digitalization stagnates, children will lose learning opportunities. Approximately one in three public elementary and junior high school students nationwide have access to "MiraiSeed," so our marketing and product teams, along with our utilization promotion team, are working together to continuously consider the responsibilities and roles we, as an education company, should fulfill.

What specific initiatives are you taking to revitalize its use?

Okabe

We engage in community activities with teachers who resonate with the concept of "MiraiSeed" and are using it effectively, and we also have approximately 900​ ​ICT supporters nationwide who visit schools to provide assistance. In addition, we operate a "fan site" on the web as a platform to gather and disseminate information, mainly focusing on examples of actual classroom use.

What's useful in the field are real-world examples.
Visualize and share various hints.

What aspects do you consider important when disseminating information?

Okabe

We explain the relationship between purpose and means, saying that we can use the functions of "MiraiSeed" to realize the kind of lessons that teachers envision. This way, using the software doesn't become the goal itself, and it simply becomes a case of "let's try it out."

For example, many teachers complain that certain students always raise their hands to speak in response to a teacher's question, making it impossible to hear everyone's thoughts. By using "MiraiSeed," students can first think individually and then share their ideas with the whole class, enabling "all-participatory" lessons. By explaining how to operate the system to achieve this, we can help teachers solve their problems and contribute to deeper learning for each and every child.

Fan sites often feature many such examples. How do you collect them?

Okabe

We gather information on how ICT is being used in schools through community activities with teachers and ICT supporters. We conduct interviews and write articles, and the teachers we ask are happy to cooperate because they want their methods to be helpful. In some cases, we invite practitioners to speak about their experiences in a webinar format.

This August, we held the "Summer Case Study Sharing Session." Since this is a time when professors are relatively free, we held an event where 10 speakers took turns introducing their case studies. Despite being a long event lasting a total of 6 hours, we had approximately 1200 live participants from all over the country.

Real-life stories are easier to relate to and contain many helpful hints. That's the significance of visualizing and sharing them.

Teachers across the country, transcending regional boundaries and generations.
I hope this can become a place where people can connect.

Have you noticed any changes in the teachers' approach through communication?

Okabe

Teachers' needs have shifted from "I can't imagine using it" to "I want to use it more effectively." Many teachers are passionate about education and have a strong desire to make their lessons better. Some are fighting this battle alone, and they seem to have a strong desire to connect with like-minded colleagues.

For example, teachers who met through the "fan site" have started visiting each other's schools, offering guidance and advice on research lessons, and serving as instructors for in-school training. It's wonderful to see that knowledge scattered across the country, transcending municipal boundaries, is being connected without our direct involvement.

Many of the participants are mid-career to veteran teachers who want to refine their techniques while incorporating new methods, but I think it will also be stimulating for younger teachers who haven't yet established their teaching style. It would be great if we could also play a role in passing on teaching methods in line with the times.

What skills should we help children acquire?
Think together with teachers and evolve learning at school.

Okabe

I believe that working alongside teachers to address the significant challenge of digitizing lessons has changed the mindset of us employees as well. By learning about the real problems teachers face through requests for "MiraiSeed" and responding to them, we've shifted from saying things like, "The situation in XX city is..." to saying things like, "In the case of Mr./Ms. XX in XX city..." – we're now sharing more practical insights. I feel that our desire to solve problems together, including improving the product, has grown stronger.

What should we aim for going forward to create better digital learning for teachers and children?

Okabe

Benesse can provide teaching tools. We want to support teachers in making the most of these tools and encourage them to take that extra step when they want to grow and improve themselves.

Doing so will deepen children's learning and help them develop the skills to face the future. We want to continue our exploration together, seeking guidance from teachers, and contribute to Japanese school education. That will remain our goal in the future.

*reference

"What is the GIGASchool Initiative? How will education change? An easy-to-understand explanation for beginners (Benesse Education Information Site)"