Lacation is a coined word that combines (learning) and vacation (vacation). A new system has begun in some regions that allows students to take a few days off from school without being counted as absent. This new system has begun at some elementary, junior high, and high schools. This is a system that you can study at home and spend your time freely if you have a purpose. This system allows students to skip school and go to a theme park with their family and friends. It will be introduced in Aichi Prefecture and Beppu City, Oita Prefecture from the second semester of 2023. However, it is now possible to take only three days off a year. The introduction of the Lacation is expected to provide an opportunity for students to consider ways of learning that are suitable for each individual.
The introduction of Lacation has the potential to gradually begin to change the uniform and conformist nature of education. Side-by-side learning, which causes problems even after a few days of school absence, is beginning to show its limits as a passive form of education. The world is moving in the direction of emphasizing children’s independence. It is important for children to learn while self-adjusting. Deciding on your own days off will also train you to independently create your own study schedule. Even after graduating from school and starting work, we live in an era that reskilling and other learning is required. In order for people to take the initiative and continue learning, training from an early age is necessary. Perhaps this movement is in response to the need for “independent learning” among working adults.
In order to aim for independent learning, an environment is being created in which digital tools can be used. In the future, we have a plan to accumulate and provide educational data from elementary school to university to adult education. Another tool that makes it possible to utilize this vast amount of data is the practical use of digital textbooks. It is now possible to systematically arrange learning content from the first year of elementary school to the third year of high school on one tablet. By storing teaching materials on this tablet for 1) autonomous activities, 2) the ability to use digital devices interactively, and 3) activities in heterogeneous groups, we can develop human resources who can keep up with global trends. Furthermore, when digital textbooks are connected online, the scope of education becomes even broader and more convenient. Children who are eager to learn are more likely to move forward. This means that an environment for independent learning is being created.
