published Aug 3rd, revised Aug 25th, 2023
Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ) was invited by International Christian University (ICU) to take part in a dialogue series marking ICU’s 70th anniversary of dedication, which involved leaders from both institutions. The dialogue session took place at ICU’s campus in Mitaka City, Tokyo, during spring. They discussed the value of liberal arts education and the significance of the international experience. TUJ Dean Matthew Wilson and ICU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Eskildsen engaged in a comprehensive discussion covering a series of topics, including the universities’ global strategies, their unique contributions to Japanese education, overcoming the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, and adapting to new technologies.
During the discussion, Dean Wilson and Dr. Eskildsen emphasized the importance of general education in preparing students to thrive in the global economy. Dean Wilson highlighted the need to teach creativity and leadership to equip students for the rapidly changing world. They recognized the significance of thinking globally and engaging internationally as individuals, emphasizing the critical role of liberal arts education in achieving these goals. They stressed that such education fosters cross-cultural understanding, effective communication, identifying problems, and finding solutions. Liberal arts education plays a vital role in preparing students for their future careers.
Additionally, Dean Wilson and Dr. Eskildsen discussed the emergence of artificial intelligence and new technologies, such as ChatGPT. They stressed the importance of teaching students to use these technologies critically to enhance their lives. The rise of these technologies brings about changes in the job market, which can be seen as a potential downside of specialized learning. It becomes crucial to provide students with a broader education that equips them to adapt to and cope with new technological developments.
Despite the advancements in technology, the human element remains indispensable in education. Technologies cannot replace the essential role that human-led education plays in fostering effective learning. It is crucial to emphasize that while technological advancements are valuable tools, they cannot substitute the critical role played by human educators.
TUJ created a highlight video of this session. To watch the video, click the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbvpuWuJ-k8