Nexon-Gangnam-gu, Expanding Education Using 'MapleStory World'

Students of Samneung Elementary School participating in the pilot training using 'MapleStory World'. (Photo by Nexon)

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Nexon announced on the 16th that it will expand 'MapleStory World' for elementary school students to the Gangnam Future Education Center and all elementary schools in Gangnam-gu this year.

Since October last year, Nexon has been conducting a metaverse education program called 'Riding the Metaverse to the Green Planet!' using 'MapleStory World' for elementary school students at five schools in Gangnam-gu in collaboration with the district. The pilot education, conducted over four sessions in two months, was a gamification course where students created 'Worlds' related to the theme of 'Green Planet,' enhancing their understanding of environmental issues. The planning and operation of the classes were handled by TMD Education Group, the official education partner of 'MapleStory World.'

Among the elementary students who participated in the pilot education, 1,183 responded to a survey, with 92% giving positive evaluations of the education. Additionally, 87% expressed a desire for further classes using 'MapleStory World.'

Accordingly, Nexon and Gangnam-gu will expand education using 'MapleStory World' to the Gangnam Future Education Center and all elementary schools throughout Gangnam-gu. The plan is to provide 4th industrial revolution education, which may be unfamiliar to students, in an easier and more enjoyable way to nurture future society talents. By the first half of 2023, they will add a block coding course from the 'MapleStory World Edu' platform to the existing pilot program and reinforce various educational contents for the classes.

Additionally, both parties will update contents such as a one-on-one career counseling office and lecture halls in the virtual 'Gangnam Future Education Center World' implemented within the 'MapleStory World' platform, and set up a 'MapleStory World' experience space at the actual Gangnam Future Education Center. They also plan to promote various offline events, including a '1 DAY Mentoring Day' with Nexon developers and a world creation contest for elementary students.

Meanwhile, the collaboration between Nexon and Gangnam-gu began last September with a business agreement and the opening of the virtual world implementing the Gangnam Future Education Center within 'MapleStory World.' In the 'Gangnam Future Education Center World,' users can access online contents such as a space experience zone, drone making, and virtual school, which can be experienced at the actual offline center.