The exhaustion of school staff and the decline in home education capabilities are increasingly being discussed. However, simply lamenting the decline will not produce solutions. AI has emerged as a tool to address this. Cram schools and preparatory schools are rapidly introducing AI-powered curricula. Eishinkan (Fukuoka City), a major cram school, introduced AI-based learning materials for junior high school students several years ago. In their junior high school courses, AI materials utilize tablets in math and English classes. A key feature of this AI material is its ability to flexibly switch the problems presented according to the student’s proficiency level, allowing for detailed instruction. As children solve problems, the AI understands their level of comprehension and areas of weakness. The AI then automatically adjusts the curriculum based on this understanding. The AI material allows for learning at home at one’s own pace.
A Yahoo survey shows that over 60% of parents are positive about introducing AI-based learning, but some parents still feel uneasy about using AI. A survey by Nifty Kids shows that 55.1% of elementary and junior high school students use the conversational AI “ChatGPT.” A Benesse survey revealed that 56.9% of elementary school students who use it say they “ask the AI first when they don’t understand something.” Furthermore, a female junior high school student in the Kanto region even uses the AI to create practice questions before regular tests. While children’s use of AI in home learning is increasing, parents are concerned about “misinformation” and “a decline in critical thinking skills” when introducing generative AI into learning. Leading the way in addressing these concerns is the Metaverse Engineering Department at the University of Tokyo. The Metaverse Engineering Department offers online generative AI courses that answer even detailed questions from parents. Parents who attended the courses said, “Our anxieties were relieved, and we understood that learning effectiveness can be enhanced if used creatively.”
The use of AI, with the right approach, is becoming a powerful tool for developing children’s talents. Here’s an example from a junior high school student… In late January, a third-year junior high school student living in Tokyo was working on the writing section of the Eiken Pre-2nd Grade English proficiency test. His tutor was a generative AI installed on his smartphone. The generative AI tutor provided the correction and guidance for his Eiken writing studies. He took a picture of his answer and sent it to the AI along with the question. Soon after, the generative AI tutor returned with detailed corrections and guidance on his answer. This junior high school student said he started using it out of his own interest. Now, he seems satisfied, saying, “It’s like having a teacher I can ask anytime.” As more children use it, AI tutors seem to be playing an active role in areas other than studying. It is expected that consultations on studying, health, sleep, exercise, and relationships will also increase. It would be good to teach children how to use it appropriately from a young age.
