Correspondence High School Art Education: “From Paper to Digital” – The Potential of ibisPaint Edu in the GIGA School Initiative

Art Education at Correspondence High Schools: “From Paper to Digital” – The Potential of ibisPaint Edu in the GIGA School Initiative ​
Ibis Co., Ltd. Press Release: October 28, 2025 Correspondence High School Art Education: “From Paper to Digital” – The Potential of ibisPaint Edu in the GIGA School Initiative ~Examples of Use “Expanding Your World with ibisPaint” Vol. 6~
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Hu ​​Yoshioka, Vice Principal, Human Campus Nozomi High School, Sato Gakuen Educational Corporation ibis Inc. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth, Stock Code: 9343, President and CEO: Eiji Kamiya), developer and operator of the mobile painting app “ibisPaint,” is currently publishing an irregular series titled “Expanding the World with ibisPaint.” With users in over 200 countries and regions around the world, we’ll explore the creative uses of ibisPaint and the creative opportunities it brings to the world. Today, we spoke with Vice Principal Yoshioka of the Mobara Campus at Human Campus Nozomi High School, a correspondence high school with learning centers nationwide. He explains how the school is incorporating digital tools into art education. Principal Yoshioka introduced ibisPaint Edu for art report assignments, completely changing the creative environment from paper to digital. Utilizing the ICT devices owned by all students, he has built a system that allows students to create art regardless of location or time. In this article, we will introduce the background of this initiative, how it was introduced, the students’ reactions, and the possibilities for future art education. The learning environment unique to correspondence high schools and the background to the digital transition -First of all, ibisPaint Could you tell us what prompted you to consider introducing ibisPaint Edu? Vice Principal Yoshioka:Our high school is a correspondence course, so students don’t have to commute to class every day. They basically study independently at home or at the learning center. Even art classes aren’t taught in the classroom; students earn credits by submitting report assignments. All students have tablets for learning, so we were thinking of using them to create reports that could be completed without using paper. Until now, students had scanned and submitted their paper drawings, but starting this school year, we switched to submitting them online. We were looking for painting software suitable for practical assignments, and that’s when we came across ibisPaint Edu. Its functionality, ease of use, free availability, and lack of
advertising, all made us decide to introduce it. –What was the reaction of students and other teachers when you introduced ibisPaint Edu? Vice Principal Yoshioka:When we first introduced it, we heard some confusion from both students and teachers. Some students said, “Paper is easier,” but after a few months, they were able to use it smoothly, and I was reminded of how adaptable the students are. The teachers had been using paper for a long time, so they were naturally a little worried about suddenly switching to the web. Some teachers say that we should value the feel of touching the material with our hands and the sensation of drawing on paper, and I completely understand that opinion. On the other hand, the question of how we coexist with AI and new tools will be crucial in the coming era. In light of this trend, I feel that art education also needs to be conscious of creating an environment that anticipates coexistence with digital technology. –Mr. Yoshioka, what did you think of ibisPaint Edu when you tried it yourself? Vice Principal Yoshioka:I had the impression that it was intuitive and easy to use. There were no particular issues with usability and it was easy to use. However, I can’t help thinking from the perspective of “getting students to use it.” When I imagine children who have never used it before, I think about how I should explain it to them, so in that sense, I think some children will find it difficult. Therefore, unlike regular schools, our school cannot provide direct instruction, so we distributed video materials in advance that summarized how to use ibisPaint Edu and example assignments, creating an environment where students can learn at their own pace.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/15594/66/15594-66-711e01e2379e6941a7d733cda197aa3c-3900×2681.jpg Human Campus Nozomi High School, Yokohama West Gate Learning Center, Classroom Scene 1. –How is ibisPaint Edu actually used in art classes? Vice Principal Yoshioka: Currently, Art I students have six annual reports, four of which are practical assignments using ibisPaint Edu. These include “fantasy drawings using photographs,” “original collages,” “school festival posters,” and “package design.” At our school, Art I is a required arts subject for all students. However, because not all students are particularly skilled at drawing, we use objective rather than subjective evaluation criteria. The system allows students to pass the minimum required criteria, such as “manipulating photographs and materials,” “coloring using paint tools,” and “entering necessary information.” Regardless of their strengths or weaknesses, we emphasize a willingness to “just try” what they’re told. Note: The high school curriculum requires students to select and take at least one of the following arts subjects: music, fine arts, crafts, or calligraphy. AI is merely a means to an end. The practice of future art education will choose to utilize, not prohibit, AI. –The use of AI is spreading to the field of art. What are your thoughts on this trend, and what impact do you think it will have on education?
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/15594/66/15594-66-f13a01ffe17fdefa1e36edfdcaaff79d-3900×2637.jpg Human Campus Nozomi High School Yokohama West Gate Learning Center Classroom Scene 2. Vice Principal Yoshioka:Recently, we’ve been seeing works created with AI in art classes. When I look at the work submitted by students, I can sometimes tell, “Oh, this is AI.” However, that doesn’t mean we uniformly lower the grade. As long as the assignment requirements are met, we still evaluate it. Some may say that it’s no good just because it was created with AI, but I think the important thing is how you express it within the given assignment. We view the successful use of AI to create a design as a creative endeavor and evaluate it positively. –As a teacher, you accept AI as merely one tool, as a way for students to express themselves. Vice Principal Yoshioka:Yes, I don’t think AI is completely useless. I believe that the ability to edit and make decisions to modify what AI has created will be necessary skills in the future. However, using AI is only one means, and the focus of evaluation is ultimately on the students’ own expression and creative process. Ultimately, it is humans who evaluate AI works, so I believe one of the roles of future art education will be to develop that sensitivity and the ability to make corrections to improve the work. Of course, it would be preferable to continue producing without using AI as before, so challenges remain, such as clarifying whether or not AI is being used and understanding the production process. Ideally, if there were a function that could determine whether or not something was created with AI, or a system that could restrict the use of specific tools, I think it would be safer to use it in educational settings. Even so, for now, I would like to focus on “utilization” rather than
“prohibition,” and to be as flexible as possible in accepting students’ expressions. Aiming for the coexistence of the real and the digital, ibisPaint brings children closer to art. -As the GIGA School Project progresses, what are your thoughts on the future outlook for art and design education using ICT devices and digital tools? Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/15594/66/15594-66-bf38b516b1575a32e29ef7088b07f4d0-3900×2465.jpg Human Campus Nozomi High School, Yokohama West Gate Learning Center, Manga and Illustration College Teacher, Mr. Hajime Shiraishi, Class Scene Vice Principal Yoshioka:Today’s students spend a lot of time interacting with digital media. While art is often a hands-on experience, I think it’s important to incorporate digital into it to lay the foundation for students to become familiar with it. Some people think that simply having students do oil painting or drawing is enough, but just as the curriculum includes a section on visual media expression, I want to take on new challenges by moving students in the digital direction in the fields of painting, sculpture, and design. I hope the world becomes a place where people can enjoy a wider variety of artistic expression. Of course, some art teachers aren’t so keen on digital media, but we’ve decided to take on the challenge and have begun teaching students technology suited to the new era. Going forward, we’ll need the ability to interact effectively with AI and the latest tools. In that sense, I believe it’ll be important to create an environment in the arts world that presupposes coexistence with digital media. -Finally, in this age where digital has become the norm, what kind of future do you want your students to pursue through art, and what kind of people do you want them to become? Vice Principal Yoshioka:Honestly, I don’t think that studying art alone will have a major impact on a student’s future. After all, a student’s career path is determined by a combination of many factors, including other subjects, school events, interactions with others, and experiences at home. However, if they are going to experience art, I want them to fully understand its appeal, and I don’t want them to have a negative attitude, thinking, “I can’t do this” or “art has nothing to do with me.” Even just drawing a simple picture using a painting tool like ibisPaint Edu is a great way to express yourself, and I would be happy if the support of such digital tools helps them feel closer to art. By gaining a sense of accomplishment that “I could do this too,” I believe that when they have the opportunity to experience art again as adults, they will be able to enjoy it in a positive way. –I’m very pleased that ibisPaint Edu is helping to broaden the scope of expression in art education. As the developer and operator, our company will continue to support such practices. We hope to continue expanding opportunities for many people to discover the joy and possibilities of art through ibisPaint/ibisPaint Edu. Thank you for today! We interviewed Human Campus Nozomi High School, Mobara Main Campus Vice Principal Hide Yoshioka After working at a public elementary and junior high school and a video production company, he was involved in the opening and launch of a major correspondence high school and his current school, Human Campus Nozomi High School. Specializing in oil painting, he utilizes the expressive skills and techniques he has cultivated over many years in the classroom, working to develop students’ creativity and expressive abilities. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/15594/66/15594-66-8a0303fef372c697358becfd48b27323-623×429.jpg ibisPaint’s educational support “ibisPaint Edu” “ibisPaint” is a mobile painting app that lets you draw professional-quality
illustrations with just one finger. Most of its features are available for free. It supports 19 languages ​​and has been downloaded a total of 500 million times from over 200 countries and regions worldwide (as of the end of September 2025). “ibisPaint Edu” is a customized version of ibisPaint for educational institutions. Since the app does not display ads and social networking functions have been removed, it can be used safely in schools and other educational institutions. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/15594/66/15594-66-1b485973f92a4bb56ea71aec21bdeb90-1047×340.png Click here for details on ibisPaint Edu:
https://ibispaint.com/productEdu.jsp About IBIS Co., Ltd. Ibis Inc. is a group of highly skilled mobile technology experts. With our mission to continue creating “Wow!” experiences around the world through unparalleled mobile technology, we are expanding our business globally, bringing our technology to the other side of the world. We will continue to strive to further expand the app’s functionality and improve its usability to meet the needs of our users. Company Name: IBIS Co., Ltd. Headquarters Address: 1-5-1 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo President and CEO: Eiji Kamiya Business: Development and operation of the mobile painting app “ibisPaint,” as well as contract development and IT engineer dispatch. Established: May 11, 2000 Listed Market: Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market (Stock Code 9343) ​ URL:
https://www.ibis.ne.jp/
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