- Busan National University ran a '2025 AI and Digital-Based Program' for 120 middle school students in collaboration with local education offices.
- The program offered courses in AI-driven career planning and hands-on digital project-based learning, including coding, game design, and a mini hackathon.
- Student teachers mentored participants, promoting digital skills, creative problem-solving, and bridging educational gaps in underexposed schools.
Busan National University is taking significant steps to address local educational challenges and strengthen public education through its innovative AI and digital experiential learning program for middle school students. As part of the Glocal University 30 Project, the university successfully ran the '2025 AI and Digital-Based Program for Local Middle School Students' from December 10 to December 24, 2025, in collaboration with the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education and the Dongnae District Office of Education.
The program, designed for around 120 students from five schools Dongnae Middle School, Geumsa Middle School, Donghyeon Middle School, Guseo Girls’ Middle School, and Dongnae Girls’ Middle School focused on schools prioritized under the Educational Welfare Priority Support Project. Recognizing that many of these schools had limited exposure to digital technology, the initiative aimed to equip students with essential future skills, foster digital citizenship, and enhance creative problem-solving abilities.
The curriculum was divided into two main courses. In the 'Future Planning Classroom', students engaged in career exploration using generative AI, which included interest assessments, infographic creation, and discussions on AI ethics. The second course, 'Digital Jump!', emphasized project-based learning using educational kits from Horang Edu, a local edtech company. Activities ranged from basic AI and coding lessons to game design and a mini hackathon, offering students hands-on experience with technology in a collaborative environment.
The program was led by a visiting professor specializing in AI and software education at Busan National University, with student teachers from the College of Education serving as mentors. This field-centered teacher training model allowed student teachers to gain practical experience in digital-based teaching, while middle school students benefited from consistent guidance and interactive learning. According to program organizers, students responded enthusiastically to activities involving AI and coding, while school teachers highlighted the potential for enhanced engagement, improved digital skills, and broader career exploration opportunities.
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Lee Jaewoo, Head of the Education Specialization Headquarters at Busan National University and professor at the Graduate School of International Studies, said, “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”.
The initiative aligns closely with the national 'Edtech Soft Lab Establishment and Operation Project', in which Busan National University is actively participating alongside the city government and Busan National University of Education. This project connects schools with edtech companies to support the development and practical application of educational technologies and content, positioning Busan National University as a key contributor to advancing digital education in the region.
The program underscores the university’s commitment to blending innovation with public service, offering students not only knowledge but also practical skills for the digital future.
