Fostering the Next Generation of Global Talent — Nakadomari Town Education Board's Innovative Use of the Metaverse Across Borders

Summary

1. Implementing English education through the Metaverse against a backdrop of declining birthrates and regional disparities

In Nakadomari Town, where the population is decreasing, a 'Global Class' utilizing the Metaverse has been introduced to equip children from elementary to junior high school with a global perspective and practical English skills. This includes conversational English with foreign instructors and virtual international exchanges, enabling cultural experiences and practical language learning without leaving the region.

2. The immersive nature of the Metaverse and operational efficiency enhance student motivation and class quality

Unlike Zoom-based online classes, the Metaverse allows easy connection setups, free movement via avatars, and flexible grouping. This game-like participation boosts student motivation, and teachers can easily monitor student activities, creating an effective learning environment. However, unstable internet connectivity remains a challenge for the future.

3. Educational innovation plans expanding to truancy measures, reduced commuting burdens, and future study abroad opportunities

This project also considers applications such as ensuring learning opportunities for truant students and home-based learning during bad weather. In collaboration with universities and educational institutions in the Philippines, it aims to develop into international education, including potential study abroad. The Metaverse serves as a starting point for creating an educational environment comparable to urban areas from the countryside.

First, please tell us about the background that led to the introduction of the Metaverse in this project.

Asahiro Mikami (hereafter, Mikami): The current population of Nakadomari Town is 9,112 (as of December 2023), and it is expected to be less than half of that by around 2050. At a time when Japan is attracting global attention, we wanted to provide an environment where as many children as possible can acquire the global capabilities to thrive worldwide.

Global Class lessons are held once a week for all elementary and junior high school students in the town, featuring online English conversation lessons with Filipino instructors and 'Online International Exchange Live Study Tours' where students virtually explore towns in the Philippines.

Visiting Filipino markets, convenience stores, and supermarkets, and asking questions in English to locals are part of the experience. The students have responded positively to these unique cultural experiences, such as seeing eggs dyed red-purple, which are sold in Filipino supermarkets and are not available in Japan.

Speaking of online lessons, tools like Zoom are commonly used, but what prompted the adoption of the Metaverse?

Mikami: Unlike common online tools such as Zoom, the Metaverse does not require individual connection settings, and everyone can move freely within the virtual space. This system allows efficient grouping and class progression through avatar control, enabling real-time monitoring and appropriate supervision of students. The game-like entry into the Metaverse space was also a decisive factor in enhancing students' enthusiasm for classes.