Oct 19, 2015

Panasonic Unveils Its Unique Educational/Cultural Hub for Learning and Communicating about the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

Tokyo, Japan - Panasonic Corporation has launched "Active Leaning Camp", a new facility and first of its kind in Japan(*1), integrating Panasonic's various technologies to offer fun and inter-active methods to learn about the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, within the Panasonic Center Tokyo (Ariake 3-5-1, Koto-ku, Tokyo), its corporate showroom that serves as a global communications hub. This facility will provide visitors a tangible experience of the allure of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. Moreover, Panasonic will launch an educational program themed on the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games that aspires to teach 21st Century Skills(*2).

Since the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Panasonic has contributed to the Olympic Games as an Official Worldwide Partner and has also promoted "education for the next generation" as part of its corporate citizenship activity. The education about the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games is being discussed by a council of advisors comprised of members from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, and Panasonic, too, wanted to establish an educational program, the "Active Learning Camp," to help promote the education of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The newly established education showcase facility - "Active Learning Camp"

Panasonic established a learning center where people can learn about the Olympic Movement, which contributes to global peace, and the different values, cultures, and lifestyles through interactive, participatory exhibits. Panasonic will help promote education in 600 schools in Tokyo, and also assist visitors to the Panasonic Center Tokyo from educational institutions worldwide.

Development of a unique education program

Panasonic will develop a unique education program that supports Olympic Games and Paralympic Games education at schools. The first phase, which will begin in November, will feature 2 topics -
1. Significance of the Olympic Games and people who support it
2. Diversity and international understanding (FY2015 will include 50 schools).

Organization of the special exhibit, "The World of Sports" (from October 6 (Tue) to November 8 (Sun))

This special exhibit will communicate the passion and excitement of the Olympic Games from antiquity to modern times. Torches, competition equipment, medals, etc. used at the actual Olympic Games in the past will be displayed, together with a virtual stadium where you can experience the "speed," "height," "weight," and "distance" of Olympic records.

As an Official Worldwide Partner, Panasonic will continue to organize workshops with partners across fields to help educate the next generation and to help foster the Olympic Movement and Paralympic Movement.

Key Exhibits

Education showcase facility "Active Learning Camp"

"Orientation" uses optical ID to provide a basic introduction to Olympism and Olympic Games education.
"Diversity Map" will enable people to learn about the different values and cultures, and about a diverse society.
In the "Workshop Garden," Panasonic's HD Video Communication System and interactive LCD projector will provide an experiential, participatory experience. (Supervised by Specified Non-Profit Corporation, Japan Olympic Academy)

Panasonic's unique program, which promotes education for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

Target/Subject: Junior High School ~ High School / Comprehensive (Career), ethics
Features: Program, which aims to teach 21st Century Skills
Name of Program:
"Significance of the Olympic Games and people who support it"
"Diversity and international understanding"

After FY2016, Panasonic will develop a program based on technology, innovation, barrier-free, etc.

Special exhibit "The World of Sports" (October 6 (Tue) - November 8 (Sun))

A virtual stadium, with images extending 180 degrees projected on to the wall, created using Panasonic's latest technology such as the high luminance, 20,000 lumen projectors and the Space Player(R).
A demonstration allowing people to experience lighting the cauldron with the Olympic flame.
Introducing exciting, moving images provided by the Japanese Olympic Committee and music in a premium environment.
Exhibiting equipment, etc. used at the actual Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Introduction of volunteer activities that support the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Organized by Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japanese Olympic Committee
Co-organized by Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japanese Olympic Committee
Backed by Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Japanese Para-Sports Association
Supported by Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games

*1 A permanent educational facility supervised by the Specified Non-Profit Corporation, Japan Olympic Academy
*2 "21st Century Skills" are skills and resources students should be taught in schools, and it reconstructs the 3 essential elements of learning to help students learn how to "solve problems." The 3 essential elements are - "the ability to think," which is supported by "basic skills" and the "ability to execute," which determines how that is used. (According to the National Institute for Educational Policy Research)