Chosun University Space Technology Research Institute Completes Capacity Building Training for Secondary School Teachers

A platform for exchange and cooperation on the recent changes and directions in space technology and education, which have become part of everyday life, was held in Gwangju.

The Space Technology Research Institute at Chosun University recently announced on the 17th that it held the ‘2023 Advanced Space Technology Capacity Building Training for Secondary School Teachers’ to strengthen the expertise of middle and high school teachers in advanced science and space technology.

In April, the Space Technology Research Institute at Chosun University was selected as a ‘Star Bridge Center’ (STAR: School Teacher And Research institute) by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity.

The Star Bridge Center is an institution supported through a public selection process by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity. Along with the Space Technology Research Institute at Chosun University, the Satellite Oceanography Laboratory at Seoul National University, the Science Education Research Institute at Kongju National University, and the Basic Science Research Institute at Jeju National University were selected.

At the Star Bridge Center, teachers directly participate in research by connecting with regional science and technology research institutions. It also develops and provides training programs, content, and consulting related to science education, including teaching and learning design and assessment based on advanced science and technology research experience, as well as inquiry and experimental activities.

Middle and high school teachers working from all over the country participated in this training. The training was conducted as a hybrid of online and offline sessions, utilizing Chosun University’s Cyber Campus to carry out real-time online training, video and assignment tasks, practical exercises, and experiential activities.

The online training began with a keynote lecture by Park Hyun-joo, Vice President of Chosun University, followed by a small talk with Professor Park Seol-hyun of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Chosun University, practice using artificial intelligence data and various digital tools, lectures and practical programs such as understanding generative AI for application in school settings, and the link between creativity and failure. It also showcased advanced science and technology class videos developed collaboratively by Star Bridge Center research-participating teachers and the research team.

The offline training included a special performance themed ‘Space, Humans, and the Music of Instruments,’ as well as lectures and discussions centered on key topics such as understanding New Space and nanosatellites, and reflective teaching and learning in engineering classes.

Training participants directly experienced educational programs developed over the past four months by Star Bridge research-participating teachers, including projects on artificial satellites and the environment, making imaging satellites using Raspberry Pi, satellite optical communication devices made with Arduino, and satellites and space minerals, which received great enthusiasm.

Teachers who participated in the training responded that it was a beneficial education, gaining knowledge about space technology and engaging in hands-on practice.

Center Director Park Hyun-joo stated, “In addition to teacher training, we will contribute to the formation of a space technology science culture through the development and operation of student education programs and raising awareness among the general public.”

Meanwhile, the Chosun University Star Bridge Center plans to hold a science career experience ‘Space Technology Motif Camp’ for educationally disadvantaged middle and high school students in the region later this month, and is currently accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis.