6 Universities Develop 'Digital Competency Enhancement' Program for Teachers... 1.9 Billion KRW in Government Funding Allocated

Ministry of Education Announces Selection for 'Teacher Retraining Project'
Seoul National University, Ajou University, Daegu Catholic University, Pusan National University
Kangwon National University, Chonnam National University... Project Launch Ceremony in November

The Ministry of Education is investing 1.9 billion KRW to strengthen teachers' digital education capabilities. Six university consortiums selected by regional zones will develop teacher retraining programs.

On the 29th, the Ministry of Education and the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity announced the results of the selection evaluation for the "2024 Teacher Retraining Project." This project was launched for the first time this year with the aim of enhancing the digital education capabilities of teacher training universities responsible for retraining current and prospective teachers, to successfully realize the "Teacher-led Classroom Revolution," which addresses innovations in the curriculum such as AI digital textbooks.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In this project call, nine consortiums composed of 2 to 5 teacher training universities submitted proposals, and six consortiums were finally selected. Consortiums with objections to the evaluation results may file an appeal by November 8. Each consortium will receive approximately 260 million KRW in national funding.

The selected university consortiums for the teacher retraining project are: in the metropolitan area, ▲ Seoul National University (Seoul National University of Education, Incheon National University) ▲ Ajou University (Kyonggi University, Dankook University, Daejin University); in the Gangwon and Chungcheong regions, Kangwon National University (Gangneung-Wonju National University, Cheongju National University of Education, Korea National University of Education); in the Gyeongsang region, ▲ Daegu Catholic University (Daegu National University of Education) ▲ Pusan National University (Gyeongnam National University, Gyeongsang National University, Silla University); and in the Jeolla and Jeju regions, Chonnam National University (National Mokpo University, National Suncheon University, Jeonbuk National University, Jeju National University).

Seoul National University proposed operating a digital-based education innovation faculty research group and holding joint seminars to strengthen instructor capabilities as part of their project. Daegu Catholic University plans to develop AI digital textbook and edutech education models through pre-diagnostic evaluations, expert consultations, and overseas case studies.

The Ministry of Education designated mandatory tasks for this project, including sharing training best practices through consortium formation, improving curricula to strengthen digital-based instructional innovation for prospective teachers, and developing small-scale degree-type training programs. In particular, the lead universities are required to provide participation opportunities such as workshops or research groups to universities not participating in this project.

The final selected consortiums will begin full-scale program development starting with the project launch ceremony in November. A collaborative system will be established among the Ministry of Education, the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity, and the consortiums to share the achievements of the six consortiums.

Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, stated, "To continue instructional innovation, the role of teacher training institutions supporting the enhancement of teachers' capabilities is crucial. We will strengthen the capabilities of teacher training universities in response to changes in school sites due to digital transformation, and actively support cooperation with lead universities in each region so that all teacher training universities can grow together."