On 20 December 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) held the first "panel of experts on the development of ICT-enhanced learning environment in schools."

The MEXT established the expert panel in anticipation of "promoting ICT use in schools and formulating ICT-enhanced learning development plans at local governments, based on the GIGA School Program."

The main items for discussion are:  (i) how the ICT-enhanced learning environment should be in schools using one terminal per student and (ii) measures to promote the preparation of ICT deployment plans in local authorities.

The "Five-year plan (FY2018 - FY2022) for the development of ICT-based learning environment in schools" (ICT environment development plan) was formulated in 2017, based on the "Policy for ICT-based learning environment in schools from FY2018 onwards" and the current ICT environment development plan, will expire at the end of FY2022.  Still, there are many issues to be considered, such as the ideal form of "individually optimized learning" and "collaborative learning" using one terminal per student, the ICT equipment needed to achieve this and how to deploy them, how the environment should be for the digitalization of school work, and how the support system for using one terminal per student should be, and how digital teaching materials should be. Therefore, the ICT Environment Development Plan will be extended for two years until FY2024 to deepen the discussion on formulating a new ICT environment development policy.

For more information, please visit the website below:
https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chousa/shotou/182/kaisai/mext_01305.html