Busan National University Holds AI and Digital Experiential Education Program for Local Middle School Students

Leading the Way in Bridging Educational Gaps and Strengthening Digital Literacy

Busan National University is taking the lead in addressing local educational challenges and strengthening public education by successfully operating an AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Digital experiential education program for local middle school students as part of the Glocal University 30 Project.

The Comprehensive Teacher Training Center of the Education Specialization Headquarters at Busan National University (President Choi Jaewon) announced that, in collaboration with the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education and the Dongnae District Office of Education, it operated the "2025 AI and Digital-Based Program for Local Middle School Students" from December 10 to December 24, 2025.

This program was conducted for approximately 120 students from five schools-Dongnae Middle School, Geumsa Middle School, Donghyeon Middle School, Guseo Girls' Middle School, and Dongnae Girls' Middle School-which are either prioritized or supported under the Educational Welfare Priority Support Project.

Busan National University is holding an AI and Digital experiential education program for local middle school students and is taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Busan National University

Focusing on schools with relatively less experience in digital technology, the program offered activities such as generative AI-based career exploration, digital ethics education, and hands-on edtech workshops. The goal was to strengthen students' future competencies, digital citizenship, and creative problem-solving skills.

The program consisted of two main courses. First, in the "Future Planning Classroom," students participated in career exploration activities using generative AI, including interest analysis, infographic creation, and exploring AI ethics. Next, in the "Digital Jump!" course, project-based learning (PBL) was conducted using educational kits from Horang Edu, an edtech demonstration company in Busan for 2025. Activities included basic AI and coding comprehension, game design based on problem-solving, and a mini hackathon.

The program was taught by a visiting professor specializing in AI and software education at Busan National University, while student teachers from the College of Education participated as mentors, implementing a field-centered teacher training model. Through this, the student teachers gained experience in digital-based teaching and learning, and middle school students were able to participate in classes with more stable learning support.

Participating students showed high interest in activities utilizing new technologies such as AI and coding. Teachers at the schools also expressed expectations for educational benefits, including increased student engagement, improved digital tool proficiency, and expanded career exploration opportunities.

This program is closely linked to the objectives of the "Edtech Soft Lab Establishment and Operation Project," in which Busan National University is participating together with Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education, and Busan National University of Education. This national demonstration project connects schools and edtech companies to support the development and application of technologies and content suitable for public education. As a participating university, Busan National University is contributing to the development of educational content and its application in the field.

Lee Jaewoo, Head of the Education Specialization Headquarters at Busan National University and professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, stated, "In line with the direction of the Glocal University 30 Project and through close cooperation with the Office of Education, we were able to provide local middle school students with digital learning experiences that can be practically applied." He added, "We will continue to operate various demonstration programs to bridge educational gaps in the region and to expand AI and Digital-based classes within public education."