Recognizing the July 2000 G-8 Summit Meeting in Okinawa as a special opportunity, Japan's Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications is currently advancing ÞInformation Initiative Okinawa", a project that will explore how Information Technology can be effectively used in the field of education.
The project is designed to draw from private corporations, as well as learned individuals in the field.
This initiative, whose main theme centers on how the Internet can be used for the future of children worldwide, begins with an awareness of the need to create social structures that will support children's use of the Internet. At the same time, recognizing the rapid spread of the Internet within and among schools, it also experiments new forms of how teachers can use the Internet in the class.
[http://www.mpt.go.jp/whatsnew/okinawa_net/index.html (Japanese only)]
Internet Initiative Okinawa is composed of several programs, which may be summarized as follows.
 VOTE ; Voice Of The Earth
[http://www.kids-space.org/VOTE/index.html]
This internet-based program (already under way) enables children throughout theworld to continuously relay messages on such topics as their hopes for the 21st century. Approximately 60 nations worldwide are participating, and a home page in English has been provided.
Multimedia Camp 2000
[http://www.nihon.net/crn/mmc2k/index.html (Japanese only)]
In this camp, children will make use of mobile and wearable multimedia equipment as new tools for communication. This camp will provide the opportunity to learn about how Information Technology can be utilized or the future of children.
Multimedia Camp 2000 will run from March 27-29, 2000, in the city of Nago in Okinawa Prefecture (the same venue as the G-8 Summit).
Island Quest In Okinawa and Yakushima
[http://www.wnn.or.jp/wnn-s/quest/ (Japanese only)]
In this program, a professional team will travel through Okinawa and Yakushima (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), posting their daily experiences on the Internet in 'real time'. Children, who will follow the development, will be able to send and receive messages with the team, allowing for two-way communication. This program presents a fresh instructional model where children can learn how to use the Internet while enjoying and deepening their awareness of local culture and the natural environment.
Internet Education Symposium 2000 In Okinawa
[http://nashi.nc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/sympo2000/ (Japanese only)]
This program is directed towards school teachers who hope to make use of the Internet in class. Guides with rich backgrounds on the use of the Internet in the field of education will provide help and support.
Members of the local community will also participate. The symposium is scheduled to be held May 27-28, 2000, in Okinawa Prefecture.
For further information please contact:
Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
Communications Policy Bureau, Policy Division
Kyoko YOSHIDA
(tel) +81 3 3504 4045 (fax) +81 3 3503-0690
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