E-Learning in Japanese Universities

Abstract

Higher education institutes in Japan are making serious efforts to introduce the use of information and communications technology (ICT), or e-learning, into their teaching programmes. Three types of educational reform in relation to e-learning are in evidence nationally and internationally: interactive satellite communications; the Internet and video-conferencing systems; and one-way satellite broadcasts. The Virtual University Forum of Japan's National Institute of Multimedia Education (NIME) has identified key requirements for the adoption of such techniques, based on findings from a series of symposia. The Japanese government is promoting strategies for educational reform through e-learning: the IT Basic Law, the e-Japan Strategy Statements I and II, the e-Japan Priority Policy Programme, and the e-Japan 2002 programme are examples of its efforts. Finally, the Science Council of Japan has emphasized the challenges facing those who work in higher education institutions in connection with the future development and application of e-learning. The paper reviews these various statements and initiatives and sets out key actions that need to be taken by individual academics, academic institutions, business and government.