Позитивные изменения. Том 3, № 3 (2023). Positive changes. Volume 3, Issue 3 (2023)

And since the future has already arrived, the Koreans have resolved to greet it fully prepared. Numerous prestigious institutions are conducting ambitious initiatives to implement next-generation digital technologies. Korea University, for instance, is pioneering the development of a smart campus, integrating cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, the Internet of Things, and the metaverse. Meanwhile, Gangneung-Wonju University, located in Gangwon-do Province, is amassing and dissecting student life data through the lens of artificial intelligence.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is approaching the realization of its third mission by harnessing the power of big data. This data fuels the creation of foreign language teaching materials, strengthens connections with relevant industrial sectors, and diversifies research in applying AI to foreign language education. Rector Park Jeong-Woon expounds: “We are actively crafting a standardized AI-powered language learning model.” Of course, the establishment of a dedicated AI language department is already well underway.

Leading the charge in integrating AI into education is Chung-Ang University in Seoul. After analyzing global megatrends, the university’s leadership has charted a vision for 2030, aiming to:

• Integrate AI into every aspect of education;

• Establish a high school specializing in AI;

• Develop personalized platforms leveraging AI technology.

One example is the existing CAU e-Advisor platform, an AI-driven tool for personalized academic guidance. Academic mentors utilize this platform to tailor individual academic plans for students, helping them curate the perfect learning trajectory. Furthermore, thanks to AI feedback, students can closely monitor their progress and performance, gaining insight into their academic journey’s dynamics. This immediate feedback empowers students to identify areas where they need to apply extra effort.

President Park Sang-Gue of Chung-Ang University highlights the positive outcomes of implementing electronic assistants for both students and educators: “Through this system, our students have become more actively engaged in shaping their academic path. They’ve shared how it aids their immersion in the learning environment. For faculty, it’s easier to track student progress, pinpoint at-risk students, and offer appropriate interventions.” Thus, AI allows the full realization of personalized education concepts.

Simultaneously, digital competency is increasingly fundamental to ensure that control remains firmly in human hands, rather than ceding it entirely to our virtual aides.

NEW LEARNING FORMATS

The swift transition from an analog society to a digital world, set in motion during the pandemic, is an irreversible phenomenon. Higher education institutions bear the responsibility of seeking innovative solutions in the realms of education and science. They are the architects of adaptive strategies and drivers of societal development. The way these challenges are addressed within each individual institution significantly influences the course of its third mission.

Adapting to this new reality, every university is crafting fresh modes of interaction. For instance, Chung-Ang University continues to embrace “contactless” (remote) learning, an approach inherited from the days of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Korea University is establishing new departments tailored to the demands of contemporary technology.

Kookmin University leads the way in discovering and implementing innovative learning formats. The institution has pioneered a specialized educational foundation with a strong emphasis on collaborative learning. Professor Lee Seok-Hwan, the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, firmly believes that the times call for new approaches. Here are some of the transformative initiatives they’ve introduced.

Eureka Project: Transformation Curricula through Practical Engagement

Traditionally, university education begins with theory, with learners delving into the history and principles of their field before gradually transitioning to practical application. However, freshmen entering university right from high school often struggle to grasp the relevance and purpose of theoretical knowledge Hence, following the Eureka approach, first-year students engage in practical, real-world experiences right from the start. Only in their later years, after confronting tangible challenges and hurdles, do they transition to theoretical coursework. By then, these students possess personal experiences and specific questions, making theoretical learning significantly more effective and sought-after. They recognize that, without a solid theoretical foundation, tackling practical challenges becomes a daunting task.

“HOT Team” Project:[102] A Format for Training in Teams