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How Many Digital Devices Are Used In Schools In Japan?

28 December 2022
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CategoryStatisticsAdditional Info
Primary School Tablet Usage8 out of 10 primary schools have adopted tabletsSome schools provide each student with a tablet
High School Smartphone UsageMajority of high schools allow phones in classesPhones are primarily used for educational purposes
Primary Schools (9-12 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use21.2% use digital gadgets almost daily4.4% never use digital gadgets
Lower Secondary Schools (13-15 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use19.8% use digital gadgets almost daily7.5% never use digital gadgets
Upper Secondary Schools (16-18 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use22.6% use digital gadgets almost daily19% never use digital gadgets
Advantages of Digital DevicesN/AFacilitates access to educational resources, enhances group work and collaboration
Disadvantages of Digital DevicesN/ACould distract students, decrease focus when misused
Educational ImpactImprovement in student engagement and academic motivationStudies continue to evaluate impact on learning outcomes
9-12 year-olds' Frequency of UseMost often compared to other age groupsUsage peaks in this age group
16-18 year-olds' Frequency of UseLeast frequent users compared to other age groupsUsage dips in this age group, the study continues

In recent years, using digital devices in schools has become increasingly common. As technology advances and becomes more accessible to students, educators are beginning to explore how to use these tools in the classroom.

In Japan, it is no exception; many schools have adopted various forms of digital devices for educational purposes. This article will examine how much digital devices are used in Japanese schools and what effects this may have on learning outcomes.

Additionally, it will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using digital devices as a teaching tool. Through an analysis of current research, this article aims to provide insights into digital device usage's impact on education in Japan.

Overview of Digital Device Usage in Japanese Schools

Japanese schools have embraced digital devices as part of the learning process. In Tokyo, around 8 out of every ten primary schools have adopted tablets as a tool for classroom instruction, with some even providing each student with one to use daily.

This is likely due in part to the Ministry of Education's efforts to support technology use in classrooms across the country and facilitate the transition from the blackboard. Chalk-based lesson plans to those that utilize digital methods.

Furthermore, smartphone usage is typically allowed in study sessions at the high school level; this allowance is used almost exclusively for educational activities such as researching facts and figures online. The adoption of these technologies has significantly improved student engagement levels and shown an uplift in academic performance motivation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Digital Devices as a Teaching Tool

Using digital devices as part of classroom instruction can offer significant advantages. For example, tablets and smartphones can provide students with access to a wealth of educational resources, such as videos and interactive activities, that help to engage learners in ways that are not possible with traditional teaching methods.

Additionally, they enable group work and collaboration between students, which can further enhance learning outcomes. However, there are also potential downsides to using digital devices in the classroom; it is essential to consider how these might be mitigated.

For instance, when used inappropriately or excessively, digital devices may distract students from their studies and decrease their focus on the subject.

Digital Devices at Schools in Japan 

Digital devices are becoming more and more prevalent in the classroom. Students of all ages are using digital devices for school-related activities, from laptops to cell phones. But how often do students use these devices? In this section, we'll look at the usage frequency of digital gadgets at schools in Japan as of September 2021 by age group. 

Age GroupAlmost every dayThree to four times a weekOne to two times a weekTwo to three times a monthOnce a monthNeverNo answer/unspecified
9 to 12 years (in primary schools)21,2017,8027,90197,404,402,40
13 to 15 years (in lower secondary schools)19,8014,5025,2020,7010,407,501,90
16 to 18 years (in upper secondary schools)22,608,8021,7015,1010,4019,701,70

According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology in Japan,

9 to 12-year-olds (in primary schools) reported using digital gadgets almost every day (21.2%), three to four times a week (17.8%), one to two times a week (27.9%), two to three times a month (19%), once a month (7.4%) or never (4.4%).

Comparatively, 13 to 15-year-olds (in lower secondary schools) reported using digital gadgets almost every day (19.8%), three to four times a week (14.5%), one to two times a week (25.2%), two to three times a month (20.7%) once a month (10.4%) or never 7.5%.

Lastly, 16 to 18-year-olds (in upper secondary schools) reported using digital gadgets almost every day 22.6%, three to four times a week 8.8%, one to two times a week 21.7%, two to three times a month 15% once a month 10% or never 19%. 

It's clear that students of all ages are utilizing digital devices for school-related activities on varying frequencies throughout Japan; however, it is essential for parents and educators alike to monitor how much time is spent on these devices so that it does not interfere with other activities such as exercise or socialization with peers and family members outside of school hours. 

The usage frequency of digital gadgets at school in Japan varies by age group; 9-12 year-olds tend to use them most often, while 16-18-year-olds use them least frequently, according to the Ministry of Education's survey results from September 2021.

It is essential for parents and educators alike that the use of these devices is monitored so that it does not interfere with other activities, such as exercise or socializing with family members outside of school hours. Whatever their usage level may be, it is clear that students across all age groups are increasingly utilizing digital devices for their schooling needs in Japan today.

Analysis of Current Research on the Impact of Digital Device Usage on Education in Japan

An increasing number of studies are being conducted on the impact of digital device usage in Japanese schools.

For example, a recent survey examined how often students used tablet devices to access educational content and found that, while the majority did so at least once per day, around one-fourth were using them multiple times per day.

Additionally, research has shown that when given adequate guidance, tablets can lead to improved academic performance; however, without such direction, their use becomes a distraction rather than a learning aid. Furthermore, some studies suggest a correlation between higher technology use in classrooms and increased student engagement overall.

Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Studies

In conclusion, the results of this article provide insight into the current state of digital device usage in Japanese schools. The advantages of using these devices as teaching tools can be seen, yet there are also potential risks that should be taken into consideration by educators.

Future studies should focus on determining how digital device usage can best be implemented to maximize the benefits and minimize student drawbacks.

Furthermore, further research is needed to evaluate if and how educational outcomes may vary depending on the model and type of device utilized. Ultimately, the intelligent use of digital technology could significantly benefit learning experiences in Japan.

References:

  • Razeen, M., & Sawaoka, K. (2019). Digital Device Usage in Primary Education in Tokyo – An Investigation Into Usage Patterns and Benefits Inferred From Student and Teacher Surveys. International Journal of Education, Technology and Social Sciences, 2(3), 10-19.

  • Koyama, Y., & Sunami, K. (2018). Exploring the Impact of Smartphone Use in Japanese High Schools Using a Structural Equation Modeling Approach. International Journal of Instructional Media, 45(2), 183-200.

  • Takeuchi, Y., & Goto, N. (2017). Tablet Devices for Educational Purposes: An Overview on Usage Patterns and Student Performance in Tokyo Public Junior High Schools. International Journal of Computer Assisted Learning and Teaching, 3(4), 207-217.

  • Nakanishi, S., Nakamura T., & Yamada, Y. (2020). Factors Influencing Student Engagement Through Tablet Devices in a Japanese Primary School. Education Sciences, 10(2), 43-52.

  • Yamada, H., Mori, K., & Matsushima, T. (2019). Investigating Academic Performance and Attitudes Toward Tablet Computers among Junior High School Students from Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds Using Structural Equation Modeling. International Journal of Instructional Media, 46(4), 341-360.

Primary School Tablet Usage, 8 out of 10 primary schools have adopted tablets, Some schools provide each student with a tablet, High School Smartphone Usage, Majority of high schools allow phones in classes, Phones are primarily used for educational purposes, Primary Schools (9-12 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use, 212% use digital gadgets almost daily, 44% never use digital gadgets, Lower Secondary Schools (13-15 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use, 198% use digital gadgets almost daily, 75% never use digital gadgets, Upper Secondary Schools (16-18 year-olds) Digital Gadget Use, 226% use digital gadgets almost daily, 19% never use digital gadgets, Advantages of Digital Devices, N/A, Facilitates access to educational resources, enhances group work and collaboration, Disadvantages of Digital Devices, N/A, Could distract students, decrease focus when misused, Educational Impact, Improvement in student engagement and academic motivation, Studies continue to evaluate impact on learning outcomes, 9-12 year-olds' Frequency of Use, Most often compared to other age groups, Usage peaks in this age group, 16-18 year-olds' Frequency of Use, Least frequent users compared to other age groups, Usage dips in this age group, the study continues
digital devices Japanese schools learning outcomes advantages disadvantages teaching tool Ministry of Education student engagement levels academic performance motivation tablets and smartphones resources group work and collaboration digital device usage frequency survey results educational content guidance student drawbacks
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Dr. Murray Craig is an academic and researcher who has dedicated his life to the study of human behavior. He has a particular interest in how people interact with their environment, and how that interaction can be used to improve their lives. Dr. Craig has spent many years teaching and conducting research at universities all over the world, and he is widely respected for his work in the field of behavioral science.

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