Chikusa Muraoka

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in education are spreading rapidly. In February 2024, this study investigated the publication status, content, and characteristics of “Notices on generative AI” from the websites of 79 pharmacy schools. In addition, the relationship between the presence or absence of AI notices and the Mathematics, Data Science, and AI Smart Higher Education (MDASH) accreditation was studied. A survey of publicly available information on the school websites revealed that 64.5% of universities have published notices on generative AI. These notices were classified into three types: warnings, assumptions of use, and restrictions/prohibitions. The adverse effects on education were more frequently referenced in the restrictions/prohibitions than in the other types. Furthermore, 56.9% of the universities were MDASH-accredited and published generative AI notices, whereas 20.2% were not and had not published. The ethical use of generative AI and its integration into education requires further research, with a continuous need to share information and guidelines among faculty members.

Many academic conferences, including the Japan Society for Medical Education’s (JSME) academic meeting, were held online or in journals due to the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. Medical universities and faculties also faced the problem of how to hold lectures, practical training, and examinations during this time, so the Cyber Symposium on Medical Education shared information on how to address these issues promptly. The symposium focused on two-week preparations and faculty development opportunities to experience online tools. The ICT Education Subcommittee of JSME focused on activities developing content and skills, such as educational strategies and teaching materials. At the same time, the Special Committee for the Cyber Symposium created a venue to promote interaction among participants for information sharing and opinion exchange. It was significant that these initiatives, considered difficult to implement before COVID-19, became possible affordable and accessible online options, combining and utilizing existing technology and information. Effective online meetings must ensure quality information and technology and be meaningful for participants.