OSAKA - Children once studied with paper-based kanji or math drill books, but today classrooms are turning to cutting-edge technology with the introduction of AI-based learning drills.
In Minoh, Osaka Prefecture, a town known as a tourist destination but also recognized for pioneering educational practices, an elementary school is using AI drills as part of its students’ daily learning. On a recent visit to a fourth-grade class at Minami Elementary School, each child had been issued a tablet device. When the teacher wrote "AI Drill" on the blackboard during the morning study session, the students immediately began working on their tablets.
The AI drill is a digital learning tool that analyzes each student’s study history and generates personalized questions suited to their strengths and weaknesses. Gradually spreading nationwide, Minoh City introduced the system, developed by Konica Minolta, into all of its public elementary and junior high schools starting this academic year.
Teachers say one advantage is that the AI, not the instructor, selects questions tailored to each child’s abilities, something difficult to do manually. The tool also supports work-style reform by reducing teachers’ workload. In this class, part of the mathematics lesson was allocated to AI drill time, during which students worked on different problems at their own pace. The system identifies errors, provides hints, and helps children progress independently.
Another feature sends each student’s answers and self-assessed comprehension—expressed through facial illustrations—directly to the teacher, enabling real-time feedback and more targeted support. Yet questions remain about how best to integrate AI drills, including concerns over reduced face-to-face communication between teachers and students.
Parents see both positives and drawbacks. Some welcome the AI’s ability to identify weak areas and guide study, while others worry about eye strain and screen time. Still, many believe the experiment is worth pursuing, expecting it will ultimately improve education.
Currently, teachers estimate that the system is only being used to about 20 to 30 percent of its potential. Stable internet connections remain a challenge, with entire classes on tablets sometimes experiencing technical interruptions. Nonetheless, the city is also trying to make the drills engaging by incorporating a game-like reward system, where students collect jewels and advance from “Beginner” to “Legend” rank.
Other versions of AI drills are being tested, including ones focused on memory retention, which repeat questions over time and adapt difficulty levels to ensure mastery. With these tools, advanced students can tackle higher-level material, while struggling learners can receive more focused practice.
Though still in an experimental phase, AI drills represent a significant shift in classrooms, with the potential to transform how children learn and how teachers teach.
Source: ABCTVnews
