The Internet, which has emerged since the end of the 20th century, has dramatically changed the way the world is.Not only can anyone easily access various knowledge, but they can also send, express, connect, create and co-create themselves (without going through publishers or television) to the world. In the 21st century, YouTube and SNS were born.From one-way to two-way era ... This has greatly shaken the way of learning and working, and the way of life and culture of people.

　I think the 21st century is the "era of democratization of creativity." The AI ​​era is an era in which each person can / should be able to demonstrate more diverse creativity.However, the social structure and culture have not yet caught up with the trends and needs of that era.Therefore, in the world, STEM education has been promoted since the beginning of the 21st century, and above all, it is a break from "one-way, knowledge memorization type, learning with one correct answer", "inquiry, open-end (countless answers, Various trials and errors have been carried out on a country-by-country basis with the aim of shifting to "learning that deals with various open questions / project-type learning that deals with real-world and everyday issues."

　STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but the ideas behind it are different from the so-called "mathematical education." .. Not only "learn science and mathematics", but also "think like scientists, mathematicians, and computer scientists and create like engineers", that is, the experience of exploration, trial and error, and the joy of discovery and creation. There is an idea to find out how to convey.In everyday life, I have various questions and curiosity, sometimes I make hypotheses, experiment and create, and try and error-that process is what makes learning and inquiry interesting.

　In recent years, the term STEAM, which includes the A of Art (arts and design) or Liberal Arts (generally translated as liberal arts education in Japan), has become widespread worldwide.The essence of art is "creating new perspectives and questions to see the world on your own."In other words, learners living in the 21st century are required to "create their own questions and perspectives" and "search for their own solutions and ideas."As a result, learning becomes an inquiry that deals with open-ended questions.

　Of course, "knowledge" is also important.When you know something, you will be enlightened to create based on it, and you will need to return to various specialized knowledge while trying to create.In other words, a cycle of "creating" and "knowing" is created.At the core is each person's "excitement".In other words, it becomes a driving force to create something in various learnings that originated from one's own interests, and people encounter various knowledge in the process.Of course, what teachers and schools have sought so far is never in vain.However, the way of learning, the way of guiding, and the way of creating an environment change little by little.Each one becomes the leading role in learning.Learning is playful in nature and remains a concern for us throughout our lives.

　In the world, STEM / STEAM is emphasized in all age groups above K12 (children, junior high and high school) and universities.Now is the time for everyone to become a "researcher," "inventor," or "artist."High school students shouldn't be too obsessed with "I can or can't do it (than people)", and if I come across something that moves my heart and makes me jump, I'll take a step like an expert and explore it. Please try.Whatever it may be in the future, the experience of step-by-step trial and error will surely become a "value" within me, and various points and points will be uniquely connected, and will surely be used in unexpected ways.It doesn't have to be slower than people or hard to do.It is the experience of struggling that supports you as a researcher, artist, and inventor.

　You are the main character in learning in the 21st century.As former President Obama said to children in his STEM promotion speech, "you are the one who creates the future."By all means, please enjoy the exciting learning (creation and way of life) seriously with various approaches, while sometimes collaborating with your friends at your own pace and sensibilities!

President of steAm Co., Ltd.
Director of STEAM Sports Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Jazz pianist, mathematics researcher, STEAM educator, media artist
Sachiko Nakajima

Osaka / Kansai Expo Theme Business Producer ("Enhancing Life").Cabinet Office STEM Girls Ambassador.Currently, he is active in various fields both in Japan and abroad, mainly in the world of music, mathematics, STEAM (education), media art, etc.Master of Arts, ITP (Interactive Telecommunications Program), University of New York.International Mathematical Olympiad Gold Medalist.Meiji University Advanced Mathematical Science Institute (MIMS) / Visiting Researcher, Tokyo University of Science.Cooperator of Education, Research and Development Planning and Evaluation Conference, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.Member of the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the Central Council for Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.Researcher of "Future Classroom" and EdTech "Study Group, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.US-Japan Foundation Japan-US Leadership Program Fellow.Full brighter.Major books include "Life-changing" Mathematics "and" Music "" "Mathematics Hearing from Music" (Kodansha) Picture book "Mysterious Picture of Taisho Alien" (Picture: Kusuhara Junko, Bunken Publishing) and other major CDs. Sachiko Nakajima Piano TRIO "Rejoice" "Flower of Hope" and others.Born in Ferris Girls' High School.