The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on education all over the reality . According to the United Nation ’s educational , scientific , and cultural bodyUNESCO , an estimated 91.3 per centum of full enrolled assimilator from over 188 country have been affected by schoolhouse closure triggered by COVID-19 .
In further education , as well as closures and changes to remnant of year examinations , university worldwide have also had to cancel graduation ceremonies . But , for some students in Japan , the show still conk on .
TheBusiness Breakthrough ( BBT ) University , Tokyo , carried out a graduation ceremony on March 28 at the Hotel Grand Palace , in Chiyoda . As the recipient were not allowed to be there in person , they instead remotely - verify robot to collect the sheepskin on their behalf . To make the ceremony even more “ sprightliness - like ” the students were picture - bid onto a tablet position on the robot ’s “ face ” .
Donned in robes and a mortarboard , the “ newme ” automaton , developed byANA Holdings , were also design with hands to deem the certificate for the four alumna chosen to operate the new guest . Whilst other bookman “ attended ” the ceremonial via Zoom , President of the University , Kenichi Omae , turn over out the diplomas to the avatars , in a truly unforgettable ceremonial .
“ When I entered , I never thought I would operate my avatar and attend the gradation ceremony , ” one “ avatar ” studentsaid . “ welcome a sheepskin in a public blank while in a private space was a novel experience . ”
In fact , Professor Shugo Yanaka , Dean of Global Business Administration at BBT University , who project the “ Avatar graduation ceremonial occasion ” , believes other university could carry out exchangeable events for their students .
“ We are pleased to have a warm online graduation ceremony with the introduction of avatars as new corona[virus ] measure are required , ” Professor Yanaka enjoin in astatement . “ We desire this initiative will be helpful to educational institutions who are contend to hold graduation and entrance ceremony . ”
BBT University is not the only place in Japan to get originative with practical graduation ceremonial occasion . Last month a group of elementary schooling graduates held their ceremony inMinecraft , after their school day yr , which was due to end in March , was cut down short .
