3G mobile broadband project helps train Japanese high school correspondence students

By eGovInnovation Editors | Aug 14, 2011

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TOKYO - A 3G Smartphone x Digital Textbook project is now helping train Japanese students in a private correspondence high school in Daigo-cho, Ibaraki.

The project, launched by Qualcomm Inc., through its Wireless Reach initiative, and Renaissance Academy Inc., provides 500 smartphones, mobile educational content and 3G wireless connectivity to Renaissance Academy students who will be able to download the educational content through a 3G wireless network. They can also download applications and take lessons or take tests using their smartphones.

Qualcomm said in a release that the unemployment rate for high school dropouts in Japan is higher than average and places a strain on the country's social welfare system that the government is working to implement measures to help dropouts get jobs.

The Renaissance Academy provides opportunities in specialized and vocational training for aspiring professionals and a second chance for high school absentees and dropouts. Majority of its students spend their day participating in professional training or studying outside of the classroom. In addition, most work part-time and lead highly mobile lives, leaving limited opportunity to study their textbooks while at home, so they benefit from the ability to access their coursework no matter the location.

Offering smartphone-based courses is expected to help increase the rate of students completing programs while staying interested in learning. Having ubiquitous access to educational materials gives students an opportunity to study, catch up with lessons and take tests outside the hours of a typical school day.

"Thanks to Qualcomm's contribution, we have become a pioneer in providing our students with smartphones that will become an important study tool. In the near future, smartphones and digital textbooks are likely to become the norm. They are an ideal and effective tool for learning for students who have a diverse range of abilities, aptitudes, aspirations and lifestyles," said Takayoshi Momoi, president of Renaissance Academy Inc.

Jun Yamada, senior vice president and president for Qualcomm Japan said 3G wireless technologies offer new channels for communicating with students and opportunities to dramatically improve learning.

"This project is a clear example of how mobile broadband can be utilized to give aspiring professionals a head start, get habitual absentees and dropouts re-engaged in learning and help them obtain a high school education and diploma, which are essential assets in life," he said.