Policy on the Use of Digital Technology in Chuo University Classes

November 21, 2022

To all students

Hisashi Kawai
President, Chuo University

Policy on the Use of Digital Technology in Chuo University Classes

At present, the University basically conducts face-to-face classes to improve the quality of our teaching, to safeguard effective educational outcomes, and to ensure opportunities for direct interaction among staff members, faculty members, and students. 
To actively provide high-quality classes that utilize digital technology, as well as face-to-face classes that we have offered to date, we have formulated the “Policy on the Use of Digital Technology in Chuo University Classes” for classes starting in 2023.
We will continue to make every effort to provide you all with fulfilling and high-quality education. I ask for your continued understanding and cooperation.

 

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Policy on the Use of Digital Technology in Chuo University Classes

　Under the founding spirit of “Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice,” Chuo University will promote innovative education to realize learner-centered education and guarantee its quality, while responding appropriately to changes around the University, such as the advancement and rapid development of digital technology.

　For “learning” at a university, not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but also the deepening of knowledge and thinking through discussions between faculty members and students and among students are extremely important. For this reason, and to promote education based on the “Three Policies” (admissions, curriculum, and diploma) set by each Chuo educational and research institution, the basic strategy will be to enhance and guarantee the quality of education by: (1) actively utilizing digital technology in keeping with the times based on face-to-face classes; and (2) diversely combining the classes exemplified below, under well-planned class design.

　At the same time, it should be noted that not all education and experiences at the University will be appropriate for a learning environment utilizing digital technology. This Policy is not intended to mechanically divide classes conducted at the University into face-to-face classes and distance learning, and to promote only the latter, nor is it to position distance learning as an easy alternative for face-to-face classes, but to maximize the advantages and the benefits of both educational methods, and to pursue approaches to education fitting the times and new possibilities through appropriate synergies.

< Example of Classes in which the Active Use of Digital Technology is Expected >

1. Classes that aim for an expansion of students’ active and self-motivated learning participation through the utilization of digital technology

(Expected effects)

• Accelerate multi-directional communication and prompt students’ self-directed learning by using communication tools both inside and outside the classes. These tools will help remove barriers in classes that prevent students from asking questions and stating opinions to faculty members, and will foster a “peer learning environment” among students and between students and faculty members.
• Deepen students’ knowledge and skills by using chat tools and online bulletin boards. These tools will foster students’ self-motivated learning through the exchange of questions and answers.
• Deepen the students’ knowledge and skills through faculty member lectures provided as preparatory study using digital technology, and having students engage in progressive learning, such as group work in face-to-face classes (flipped classroom).
   

2. Classes that aim for greater educational quality by freeing students from time constraints through the utilization of digital technology

(Expected effects)

• Secure the acquisition of knowledge and skills by conducting careful follow-up in multiple directions between students and faculty members, while maintaining students’ concentration, and by securing sufficient time for preparation and review outside of classes, using digital technology to allow students to study at their own pace.
• Deepen the students’ understanding of class contents by raising students’ awareness of how to learn through: (1) a combination of video/document delivery using digital technology and suitable follow-up inside and outside of classes based on each student’s level of understanding; and (2) provision of appropriate workloads.
   

3. Classes that aim to expand diversity in education through the elimination of students’ geographical restrictions through the utilization of digital technology

(Expected effects)

• Enable students to receive diverse literacy education, specialized education, and interdisciplinary education beyond the boundaries of their educational and research institutions and campuses.
• Utilize a broad human network, including guest lecturers from distant areas, to create contacts with society, pass on practical experience, and promote understanding of academics.
• Secure learning opportunities that match each student’s environment through the utilization of digital technology based on the student’s situation.
• Promote the exchange of people, knowledge, and experience beyond the resources of the University to expand the diversity of class participants, using online tools in cooperation with other universities both inside and outside Japan.
   

4. Classes that aim for the creation of new value, including promotion of education through cooperation with high schools and cooperation with and contributions to society, by opening classes to high schools and to companies through the utilization of digital technology.