June 13, 2026 National University Corporation Okayama University

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/

◆ Overview

National University Corporation Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Yasutomo Nasu) conducted a support session on May 27, 2026, at Kurashiki Seiryo High School in Okayama Prefecture during its 'Integrated Inquiry Time.' Ten students and graduate students from Okayama University's Data Science Department (DS Department) were dispatched to assist high school students with inquiry activities, providing guidance on problem identification and activity planning.

This initiative began in the 2022 academic year and is now in its fifth year. DS Department students accompany high schoolers throughout their inquiry projects, offering advice and support at each stage—question formulation, information gathering, data analysis, and presentation preparation—thereby promoting student-led learning.

This visit marked the first session of the current academic year. The day began with an introduction to the DS Department’s activities and a tutorial on using the communication tool 'Slack' for future consultations and exchanges. Students then participated in a workshop to explore themes based on their interests, discussing ideas with DS members to refine their inquiry topics.

After school, a lecture titled 'Is AI an Enemy or an Ally?' was delivered by Professor Yasuyuki Nogami from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science. The lecture clearly explained the societal and educational impacts of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI, which the students attentively listened to.

The next visit is scheduled for September, and ongoing support will continue to enhance the quality and growth of students’ inquiry activities.

The collaboration between Kurashiki Seiryo High School and Okayama University’s DS Department represents the origin of the university’s actively promoted 'DX High School' support initiative. Based on this sustained practice, the support network has now expanded across various regions within the prefecture.

Moreover, a positive cycle has emerged: high school students who received support in the first year have since enrolled at Okayama University and now serve as DS Department members, supporting younger high school students. This reflects the success of the university’s inquiry support and talent development efforts.

Okayama University will continue to actively advance inquiry support and 'DX High School' initiatives, responding to the needs of high school teachers and students while contributing to student growth and faculty awareness. We invite continued attention to Okayama University—a research university committed to being an open, regional hub with distinctive strengths.

Scene of DS Department introduction

Students exchanging opinions with DS members

Lecture by Professor Nogami

Group photo

◆ References

・Kurashiki Seiryo High School

https://www.seiryo.okayama-c.ed.jp/wp/

・Okayama University Organization for Research and Innovation Co-Creation

https://www.orsd.okayama-u.ac.jp/

・Okayama University Data Science Club (DS Club)

https://okadai-dsc.studio.site/home

◆ Additional Information

・[Okayama University] DX High School: Generative AI Seminar for Teachers at Okayama Gakugeikan High School – Implementing Tailored DX Support Programs for Each School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003999.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Students Conduct Outreach Classes at Kansai High School – English Speech Using Generative AI

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003793.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Supporting Student-Led Learning in 'Integrated Inquiry Time' – Strong Collaboration with Okayama University Students to Advance DX High School at Kurashiki Seiryo High School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003323.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Passing the Torch of 'Inquiry' – Fourth Year of Okayama University Students Supporting Kurashiki Seiryo High School's Integrated Inquiry Time

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003310.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Creative Innovations Through Student-Developed Teaching Materials – Hosting a 'Plant-Based DX Sensing Workshop' at Okayama Hosen High School as Part of DX High School Support

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003304.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Students Collaborate to Build a 'Sensor-Activated Trash Can' – Outreach Class for DX High School Support at Kansai High School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003284.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Expanding DX High School Support to the Takahashi River Basin – Generative AI Seminar at Okayama Takahashi High School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003253.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Students Conduct 3D Printer Utilization Seminar – Supporting DX High School Activities at Okayama Hosen High School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003223.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Okayama University Data Science Department (DS Department) Students Conduct Generative AI Seminar for High School Students – Supporting DX High School Activities at Okayama Gakugeikan High School

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003190.000072793.html

・[Okayama University] Dialogue Trial Between University Students and Okayama Asahi High School Students – Supporting DX High School Activities

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003147.000072793.html

Okayama University Tsushima Campus (Kita-ku, Okayama City)

◆ Contact

Hiroya Sato, Research Planning and Strategy Office, Organization for Research and Innovation Co-Creation, Okayama University

1-1-1 Tsushima-minami, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8530 Email: sato.hiroya◎okayama-u.ac.jp (Replace ◎ with @)

https://www.okayama-u.ac.jp/tp/news/news_id15397.html

<For Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Companies Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital> New Medical Research and Development Center, Okayama University Hospital 2-5-1 Kita, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558 Please inquire via the URL below for relevant matters http://shin-iryo.hospital.okayama-u.ac.jp/ph_company/

<For Medical Professionals and Researchers Regarding Collaboration with Okayama University Hospital> Research Promotion Division, Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Promotion Section, Okayama University Hospital 2-5-1 Kita, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama 700-8558 TEL: 086-235-7983 Email: ouh-csnw◎adm.okay

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event