Recognition for Contributions to Information Education

Professor Nakayama Yasukazu, a distinguished member of the Information and Network Engineering faculty, has been awarded the Excellence Research award at the 17th National Conference of the Japanese Society for Education in Information Science. The award, formally presented on March 5th, 2025, acknowledges professor Nakayama’s important contributions to the field, particularly his research into the evolving landscape of university information entrance exams.

The Japanese Society for Education in Information Science: Fostering Excellence

Established in 2007, the Japanese Society for Education in Information Science plays a crucial role in advancing academic research related to information education.The society also provides essential support to educators teaching “information” in various educational settings. The Excellence Research Award specifically recognizes outstanding research papers presented at the society’s national conference.

Spotlight on University Entrance Exams and the Subject of “Information”

Professor Nakayama’s award-winning research focuses on the integration of “Information” as a subject in university entrance examinations. this topic has gained considerable traction,highlighted by the inclusion of “Information” in the university Entrance Examination held on January 19th,2025. Over 300,000 students participated in this exam. Furthermore,three national and public universities,including Professor Nakayama’s institution,and 49 private universities have incorporated “Information” into their individual entrance exam requirements.

This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of information literacy and computational thinking skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital world. According to a recent report by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the ability to effectively utilize and understand information is becoming increasingly critical for success in higher education and beyond.

Tracing the History: The 1990s Movement

Delving into the historical context, Professor Nakayama’s research uncovers the origins of the movement to establish information as a university entrance exam subject. By examining literature and materials from the 1990s, he sheds light on the early efforts and challenges faced by pioneers in the field. this historical perspective provides valuable insights into the current state of information education in Japan.

Nakayama Yasuichi’s presentation, titled “Movements in university information entrance exams in the 1990s,” was presented at the 17th National Conference of the Japan Society for information Education (Research Presentation 2-B-5 (2024)).

Professor Nakayama Yasukazu

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