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Why Japan plans to permit schools to exclusively use digital textbooks from 2030?

The move towards digital textbooks is part of a larger initiative to modernize education and integrate more technology into the classroom.

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Japan's Ministry of Education has suggested that schools could start using only digital textbooks around fiscal 2030. This proposal was shared during a task force meeting that was accessible to the media.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan has put forth the idea of exclusively using digital textbooks in schools by fiscal 2030. At present, digital versions of printed textbooks serve as supplementary resources for certain subjects, like English and mathematics, for students in fifth to ninth grades.

These digital textbooks are available on tablet computers and come with extra video and audio content. The task force will evaluate whether schools should be permitted to use both print and digital textbooks in the same classes. They will also look into how information linked to quick-response (QR) codes can be considered part of textbook materials.

The ministry aims to revise the School Education Law by fiscal 2026 and begin using digital textbooks from fiscal 2030, when schools will start offering classes based on the next national curriculum standards.

According to the proposal, local education boards will have the choice between traditional printed textbooks and digital alternatives. This initiative is anticipated to ignite discussions, as it would significantly alter the nature of textbooks, which serve as the cornerstone of the nation's educational framework.

If digital textbooks are approved as official school materials, they will undergo government evaluation to ensure their accuracy and suitability. Additionally, these resources will be provided at no cost to students in compulsory education.

Digital textbooks present various benefits, including the incorporation of multimedia elements like videos and audio, which can enrich the learning process. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding potential drawbacks, such as lower memory retention compared to physical books and possible adverse effects on students' eyesight.

Image: The Multicultural Center Tokyo is dedicated to helping non-Japanese junior high school students and their families prepare for the high school entrance examination, one of the most challenging processes in the Japanese education system. | MULTICULTURAL CENTER TOKYO via The Japan Times.

A survey carried out among elementary and junior high school principals in Japan revealed that 95% of those surveyed prefer a combination of paper and digital textbooks instead of relying solely on digital ones. The primary benefit of digital textbooks mentioned was the opportunity for students to view videos and listen to audio content.

There are concerns regarding the technical difficulties associated with implementing digital textbooks, including issues like device freezing and connectivity problems. Furthermore, there are apprehensions about the financial strain on local governments to supply the required digital study materials and learning support software.

Here are some examples of digital textbooks being used in Japan:

Tokyo Shoseki Co.'s Japanese Language Textbook: This textbook for fifth graders includes a QR code in the biography of poet and author Kenji Miyazawa. Only two pages are printed in the textbook, and the rest can be read by scanning the QR code using a digital device. This allows students to access additional digital content, such as videos and audio.

Sanseido Co.'s Digital Educational Materials: Sanseido Co., a leading publisher, has integrated digital educational materials into their textbooks. These materials include features like automatically marking answers in arithmetic, offering a field guide to living creatures, and providing methods for scientific experiments and solid figures in arithmetic.

QR Codes in Textbooks: Starting from the academic year that begins in April 2024, all new textbooks in Japan will include QR codes. These codes allow students to use provided tablets to access digital educational materials online, such as videos and audio. For example, Tokyo Shoseki's Japanese language textbook for elementary students will have over 600 QR codes in the new edition.

The shift to digital textbooks has the potential to improve learning capabilities in several ways:

Interactive Content: Digital textbooks can include multimedia elements such as videos, audio, and interactive quizzes, which can make learning more engaging and help students understand complex concepts better.

Accessibility: Digital textbooks can be easily updated with the latest information, ensuring that students have access to the most current content. They can also be customized to meet the needs of individual learners, such as providing text-to-speech options for students with visual impairments.

Convenience: Students can carry multiple textbooks on a single device, reducing the physical burden of carrying heavy books. This also makes it easier for students to access their textbooks anytime and anywhere.

Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, digital textbooks can be more cost-effective than printed ones, as they remove the need for physical printing and distribution. This can free up resources for other educational needs.

Environmental Impact: Digital textbooks reduce the need for paper, which can have a positive impact on the environment by reducing deforestation and waste.

However, there are also some challenges and concerns:

Screen Time: Increased screen time can have negative effects on students' eyesight and overall health. It's important to balance digital learning with offline activities.

Technical Issues: Digital devices can experience technical problems, such as freezing or connectivity issues, which can disrupt learning.

Digital Divide: Not all students may have access to the necessary devices or internet connectivity, which can create disparities in learning opportunities.

Memory Retention: Some studies suggest that reading on paper may lead to better memory retention compared to reading on screens. It's important to consider how digital textbooks are used to maximize their effectiveness.

Overall, while digital textbooks offer many advantages, it's important to address these challenges to ensure that they effectively enhance learning capabilities.

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