Tokyo Polytechnic University to Launch "Generative AI Utilization Course" for High School Students on August 3–4

Tokyo Polytechnic University (Atsugi City, Kanagawa; President: Hiroaki Yoshino) will offer a specialized technology course titled "Generative AI Utilization Course" on August 3 and 4, 2026. The program is specifically designed for high school students interested in engineering and technology fields at the university's Atsugi Campus.

Rather than teaching students to simply "outsource" tasks to AI, this course emphasizes critical thinking and verification. Participants will learn how to use generative AI safely and effectively, gaining practical skills applicable to their future studies and careers. The course is open to all high school students regardless of their academic focus (Humanities or Sciences) and requires no prior specialized knowledge. Participation is free of charge.

In an era of rapid AI adoption, the university aims to provide early opportunities for youth to develop the technical skills and ethical judgment necessary for the AI age. By framing AI as a "thinking partner," the program encourages students to evaluate and verify AI-generated outputs independently. The two-day program is also open for observation by parents and educators, with applications expected to open in late June.

During the workshop, students will be issued dedicated Google accounts to access "Gemini," Google's generative AI for education. Through lectures and mini-workshops, participants will practice creating effective prompts to elicit accurate responses and experience text-to-image generation. After completing the two days, students will receive a "Certificate of Completion" and can take home the prompt collections they created. Furthermore, the provided Google accounts will remain active for one month, allowing students to review materials and practice at home.

This initiative aligns with the Japanese Ministry of Education's "Guidelines for Generative AI Utilization (Ver. 2.0)," which encourages active AI use in educational settings. Tokyo Polytechnic University, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, continues to pursue the fusion of technology and art, striving to cultivate professionals equipped with the critical thinking and information processing skills required in the digital age.