Classroom avatar creating constructive conflict at small Japanese schools

So utterly bizarre that Japanese group think is so effective that they have to create a virtual cat to simulate opinions. Orwell must be spinning in his grave.

That is what is happening at some small schools in Japan where an avatar app is creating constructive conflict by playing the role of devil's advocate in discussions to deliver improved learning outcomes by challenging the status quo.

This is probably the ideal outcome of 'AI''.

AI draining the bank accounts of corrupt politicians and businesses, boosting the interests of the public. of creators is what some posit as a Singularity.

The opposite would be a status quo compliant AI.

This is probably the ideal outcome of 'AI''.

According to the Japanese news websites about this, this isn't AI at all. Dozens of opinions about a pre-arranged topic are pre-recorded in advance and then the teacher in charge selects the appropriate response depending on what the students have suggested, and the app says it. It's part of the new collaborative learning module in the new curriculum.

Its actually a great use of AI. I encourage all of my debate class students to use AI to get a deeper understanding of the different sides and perspectives in an argument.

The students were asked what they should do if their teacher is not present when an earthquake occurs and no evacuation instructions are announced by the school.

When it appeared the students had reached the consensus that it is "better to wait" for their teacher's return

Good lord

So, in other words, they need to be told what to do to develop "their own" opinions. Got it.

So, in other words, they need to be told what to do to develop "their own" opinions. Got it.

yeah , because they are kids and kids have to be told what to do. Got it?

Good Job! It is good to see tech being used in the classroom to help kids. In the west, they are bringing guns and drugs to the classroom. In Japan , we bring tech in the classroom to help kids learn.

This is brilliant! It's so hard to get discussions going when everybody just wants to agree with the first opinion that is raised for fear of causing offense. Why stop at classrooms? Get one in every boardroom. (Just power it by chatgpt).

Meanwhile, in the real world ,my children do this for free.

Meanwhile, in the real world ,my children do this for free.

You know what, it doesnt matter one bit if "your" children do it. This is about Japanese kids, and the overwhelming majority can not, and do not do it.

Pat yourself on the back some more, but in the long run, it's all these other kids that are going to matter a hell of a lot more, in the future!

My kids are Japanese.

And they're in small classes.

Delibera

Deliberately, because after 30 years of teaching experience in Japan,and hearing about my Japanese wife's educational background,we figured that ,for our children, smaller classes in a rural school would prove more beneficial socially and intellectually in the long-term