Transcript of Interview #2: Tomohiro Nagashima

Hi Christine,
So sorry for being late to reply. I did some investigation regarding your questions, and inserted
answers below.
1. Do certain grade levels use computers more than others?
Not sure. But when I was in elementary and secondary schools, higher the grade level, more
times we could use computers.
2. Do all schools have computer labs?
There are no articles saying that every school has computer labs, but I am pretty sure that almost
all of schools have at least one lab (because many questionnaires regarding computers in schools
ask whether they have enough number of computers for students in computer labs rather than a
question asking whether they have labs or not). But having labs doesn't necessarily mean that
every student has access to computers. Recent survey for elementary and junior-high school (age
6 to 15) shows that around 75% of all schools asked have enough number of computers to enable
one-computer-per-student.
3. Are computers used more in some subjects than in others?
Yes. Computers are used more often in Science, Math, Social studies, and also English, Japanese,
and Period of Integrated Study (in which students learn many things, including research,
international experiences, and voluntary services), but not often used in PE, music, art, ethics.
This is because the main use for computers is to do research/investigation on a certain topic. It is
easier to integrate such activity into math, sciences, language education, and so on.
4. Do your classrooms use whiteboards or ipads?
I think many schools have whiteboards, but they do not use in main classroom (use blackboard
instead). As to iPads, few schools have ones. Among the schools answer the survey, 83% say
they have no ipads or tablets.
5. What are computers primarily used for: research, projects (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or
communication ( Skype, blogging, etc)?
I partly answered this question in Q3, but here I re-state: the most popular use is to do research
activity (82%), but there are also some other uses, such as basic operation (e.g. typing letters)
(47%), learning good/bad aspects of using computers (43%), presentation (30%), and group
activity (35%).

6. Who chooses what portion(s) of ICT to teach (schools, regions, government)?

This is tough question. I don't know much about administration side - but I can say that there are
some government funding for promoting ICT integration (so there are some funded schools for
their projects), and also Board of Education, which each region has, has some leadership, and of
course schools may say their opinions as well.
7. I know some ICT classes are compulsory, but what efforts are being made to integrate ICT
into core classes (science, math, history, literature)?
As far as I know, It is kind of trend to try new technology in classes - so many teachers are trying
to effectively integrate ICT into classes. But as you know it is often difficult process to integrate
such tech into traditional classes they used to teach. Therefore many stakeholders say providing
appropriate support system is necessary. According to the survey, there are few ICT experts
(around 10%). Many schools in urban areas have helpdesk to support via email/phone (75%), but
those in rural areas don't have such support system (14%).
8. Do you find it easy to get new technology when it is requested (would you say it is a priority)?
Sorry I'm not sure, but since ICT integration is promoted in every school these days, it might not
be very hard to get technology. Budget matters though.
9. Are students allowed to use their Smart phones in class for certain projects?
Maybe, but maybe not - it might depends on schools. I think many teachers make students use
computers when internet use is necessary.
If you have additional questions or any uncertain points in my comments, please feel free to tell
me.
And I would be glad if you could share your final product!
Best,
Tomo