Education in the Age of AI: Insights from the University of Tokyo President's Address

Hello, I'm Takashi Yuto.

At the entrance ceremony welcoming approximately 3,100 new students to the University of Tokyo, President Teruo Fujii delivered an important address. Among his remarks, his reference to the conversational AI "ChatGPT" has attracted significant attention. Citing a book by a Northeastern University president, President Fujii emphasized the importance of experiential learning in university education during the AI era.

In this article, I'd like to delve deeper into education in these turbulent times, particularly the importance of experiential learning.

University Education in the AI Era: Experiential Learning Holds the Key

With the rapid evolution of AI and robotics technology, our lives and ways of working are undergoing significant transformation. This wave of change is naturally reaching university education as well. As President Fujii points out, it is precisely in such times that the importance of "experiential learning"—learning through experience—is increasing.

What is Experiential Learning?

Reference: Mainichi Shimbun "University of Tokyo President mentions ChatGPT at entrance ceremony: 'Experiential learning is important'"

Why is Experiential Learning Important?

Here, I'd like to highlight "RefCla," a service developed by TIELEC. RefCla serves as a powerful tool for reflecting on experiences and deepening self-understanding.

Connection with "Recommendation Engine"

The importance of experiential learning also resonates with the worldview presented in Michael Schrage's book "Recommendation Engine."

A recommendation engine is a system that uses AI technology to suggest optimal information and products to individual users. We need to creatively utilize the diverse information these systems provide and build new values. For this, "reflection" becomes extremely important.

RefCla: Effectively Supporting Experiential Learning

I especially recommend RefCla, developed by TIELEC. RefCla provides a framework that promotes reflection and self-understanding, effectively supporting experiential learning.

Features of RefCla:

Conclusion: Learning and Growth in the AI Era

In university education during the AI era, experiential learning plays a central role. President Fujii's words and Michael Schrage's concept of recommendation engines give us hints for new ways of learning.

And what makes this learning even more effective is RefCla, developed by TIELEC. By combining experiential learning with RefCla, you can deepen the creativity and self-understanding necessary for an era of coexistence with AI.

I encourage you to value your daily experiences and continue your journey of personal growth while utilizing RefCla.

This was Takashi Yuto.

Appendix

Resources for Deepening Your Understanding of "Reflection"

Reference Articles

Recommended Books

RefCla

For those who want to clarify their worries, uncertainties, or vague anxieties about the future. RefCla is a tool that supports people who want to transform their worries and anxieties into "positive action." It helps you naturally face yourself and supports effective reflection.

TIELEC aims to create a self-actualization society by improving reflection capabilities across society.