Are you biased toward science and mathematics?Common test prototype question “Information I”

　It was confirmed that there was a clear correlation between the prototype question ``Information I'' and the scores on the mathematics mock exam.This finding strongly suggests that the prototype question ``Information I'' may be closely related to mathematical thinking.Looking at the actual points allocated, there is certainly a bias toward typical science and mathematics fields such as computers and programming.

　Although the questions presented this time are just "prototype" questions, I think they are measuring abilities that are biased toward science and mathematics, including computers and programming.Is it really possible to accurately evaluate learning in the newly launched information department?Although it has been two years since the new curriculum guidelines were introduced, it seems that the key points of true information education are still being overlooked.I have no choice but to have strong concerns.

Information education is not just about dealing with computers and programming.

　In the past, I felt a sense of crisis in this magazine about the tendency for the concept of "information" to be treated only within the framework of computers and information technology, and called for vigilance. (Kenji Fujioka, What will happen to the entrance exam in 2025 - Concerning the new subject "information" -, University Journal)

　Information education is not all about dealing with computers and programming.This is clear from the curriculum guidelines.In the era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (including generative AI), IoT, and big data, what we need most is to understand the basic concept of "what information is" through "basic informatics". The first thing to do is to thoroughly understand it from this perspective.

Systematization of “Information I” using three information concepts

　I would like to emphasize this again. The first step to understanding the essence of "Information I" is to firmly grasp the essence of "Basic Informatics." ``Basic informatics'' is not a science/mathematics discipline, but an academic field that integrates the humanities and sciences. The essence of ``basic informatics'' includes an understanding of the concepts underlying information and information technology, called ``general information principles.'' (Takeshi Fujioka, The essence of "basic informatics" to all high school students - Start with three information concepts -, Jikkyo. Information Education Materials (56), 16-19, Jikkyo Publishing, April 2023)

　"Basic informatics" classifies information concepts into three categories: "biological information," "social information," and "mechanical information," and uses these three information concepts to update the content of "Information I." This makes it possible to systemize from a variety of viewpoints (see the figure below).

　Below, I would like to look at the content of "Information I" from the perspective of these three information concepts.

　First, it must be recognized that the inclusive relationship of ``life information⊃social information⊃mechanical information'' holds among the three information concepts.The term "life information" is positioned in the broadest sense, and all information is included in the category of "life information." As the origin of the word "inform" indicates, information is essentially something that is formed inside living things and contains many subjective elements.This means that living things form information based on individual experiences and accumulated history.From this perspective, the intellectual property and personal information that are handled in the field of ``information society problem solving'' in ``Information I'' can be considered from the framework of ``life information.''For example, the perspective of subjective information is essential to solving various copyright-related issues.

　Furthermore, we are able to communicate on a daily basis within society (community).Through this communication, we feel that information is being transmitted.This is due to the existence of "social information" included in "life information." "Social information" refers to forms of information that convey meaning and value through language and symbols.It is through the function of this "social information" that we establish communication. The field of ``Communication and Information Design'' in ``Information I'' is located in this area of ​​``Social Information.''

　``Machine information,'' which ranks third, is information that lacks meaning or has become latent among ``social information.''The bit strings of 3 and 0 that computers handle are a typical form of "machine information" and are used to copy and transmit information, but they cannot directly convey meaning. The information handled in information science fields such as "programming" and "information and communication networks" in "Information I" is this "machine information."This is why artificial intelligence (AI) cannot make sense of information.

　Furthermore, in the area of ​​``data utilization,'' which is covered at the end of ``Information I,'' emphasis is placed on data science methods that use statistics, programming, etc. to extract meaning from data and acquire new knowledge. Ru.In this process, both "social information" and "machine information" layers are deeply involved.The importance of data science can be seen as an interface between these.

　In this way, "Information I" can only be systematically understood by using the three information concepts of "Basic Informatics."

“Information I” opens up the future of information education　
Delivering the essence of “basic informatics” to all high school students

　Looking at the curriculum guidelines listed above, the abilities that should be cultivated in information studies are on a different level than mathematical thinking, and are unique abilities.How to evaluate this uniqueness using common tests is a very big issue.The overemphasis on science and mathematics fields seen in the trial questions reveals a situation where there is a bias towards "mechanical information" in the narrowest sense of the three information concepts mentioned earlier, and this is a situation where "Information I" It is hard to say that they are truly evaluating their abilities.

　At present, it cannot be said that the essence of ``basic informatics'' mentioned above has fully penetrated high school settings, and there are variations in its treatment in textbooks.With the introduction of the common test ``Information I'' just around the corner, shouldn't we see this as a good opportunity to reconsider the true purpose of information education?Information science classes and common tests influence each other, and their synergy can improve the quality of education.To this end, common tests should include questions that comprehensively cover the three information concepts, without placing too much emphasis on science and mathematics knowledge.Entrance exam preparation specifically designed to solve programming problems is completely inadequate to achieve the purpose of information education.It must be said that it would be a waste of time if information science classes were to fall into the trap of preparing for such standardized tests.

　Now is the time to go back to the basics and build a solid foundation.This challenge could be a decisive turning point in advancing information education to a new stage.I strongly hope that information science classes and common tests will work together to deepen information education that integrates the arts and sciences, and become the starting point for opening up new horizons of learning.

　Currently, second-year high school students are at a time when they should make concrete preparations for the common test ``Information I,'' which is coming up in a year.At the dawn of a new era of common testing, we sincerely support and encourage the efforts and growth of the students who will be the first to take on the challenge.I strongly hope that through this challenge, you will expand your possibilities and acquire a deep understanding of informatics and the ability to utilize it.May it be an exciting year for the young people who will pave the way for the future!