Bridging the gap between offline and online education
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Fostering independent study with accessible learning systems to bridge language gaps and empower students in Japan's evolving educational landscape
Overview
While core teaching principles such as a well structured curriculum and engaging teachers remain intact, technology is playing an increasingly vital role in enhancing the learning experience
New technology brings both opportunities and challenges to the education sector. It enhances the way lessons are delivered, provides better tools for teachers and enriches the learning experience for students. However, it also introduces important concerns, with the security and safety of children’s Personally Identifiable Information (PII) being paramount. In Japan’s English teaching landscape, where proficiency in a global language is highly valued, technology plays a critical role, given that many parents in Japan may not have strong English proficiency themselves.
Estimates suggest that only 15-28% of the Japanese population speaks English, with less than 2% achieving high fluency, leaving many students without sufficient opportunities to reinforce their learning outside the classroom. This underscores the need for dedicated self-study platforms, enabling students to practice and build their skills independently.
MEET THE CLIENT
Hello Bear, based in Toyohashi, Japan, is renowned for its rich, long history of excellence in English education and its dedication to fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding
Over the years, they have developed their own curriculum and educational content, tailored specifically to meet the needs of their students. With a deep commitment to fostering language skills and a passion for innovative teaching methods, Hello Bear has become a trusted name in the region's educational community. Their emphasis on quality education and personalised learning experiences continues to set them apart as they adapt to the evolving demands of modern education. By integrating technology, cultural enrichment activities and a focus on individual student growth, Hello Bear consistently delivers a transformative learning experience that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
The PROJECT: BUILDING A PLATFORM
The system had to accommodate not only schools but also independent students across Japan
The main objective was to develop an engaging, user-friendly application to encourage students to learn at home. One key challenge was creating a system that could be easily managed by school administrators, teachers, students and parents, despite varying levels of technical knowledge. The application needed to be simple enough for teachers to set up and manage classes without facing an overwhelming administrative load. Additionally, the content creation process had to be efficient, allowing teachers and other contributors to easily add and edit materials all within the app. Another crucial requirement was safeguarding children's personal information (PII). Given the sensitivity of student data, the system had to comply with stringent security and privacy standards, ensuring both protection and flexibility for future growth. Additionally, there was a tight deadline to meet government approval. While the plan initially allowed nine months, the timeline was condensed to just six months. In essence, the task was to design a system that balanced flexibility, ease of use, engagement and security—all within a reduced timeframe and without compromising on long-term functionality.
THE BUILD
We broke down the key elements of the project, what exactly needs to be built, how long it will take and what the priorities were
To ensure the success of Xenera’s project, it was crucial to deeply understand their specific vision and unique requirements. Working closely with Xenera and its partners allowed us to bridge the gap between their goals and technical needs, leading to the development of a solution that combines advanced AI and computer vision.
live progress update
“Parents and students are happy to have a tool for at-home learning, while teachers enjoy a streamlined, user-friendly interface and content creation experience.”
Katie, CEO, Hello Bear
The Learning Management System developed has yielded significant benefits for both the organisation and its users. Hello Bear has also benefited from the content creation experience as this eliminates ongoing expenses associated with third-party tools. The project's success was underscored during a government audit, which was completed without any issues, leaving the auditor impressed by the application's quality. By placing their trust in us, Hello Bear now has a robust system that supports their educational mission and is poised for future growth.
