Last year, on a trial basis, some local schools used video linkups to connect their classrooms with those in Australia. Participants on both ends raved about the program, so this year local officials plan to expand it. Mike Balfour reports. Report
[slug] Nabeup Elementary School in Jeju City
In an English class of 5th graders in an elementary school in Jeju City, these young students are talking about their school life in front of a screen with students in Australia.
[이팩트] "매년 하는데 지난해는 9월 9일에 말 타기같은 다양한 놀이의 수업을 했어요." [Effect] We’ve been doing it every year. Last year on September 9th, we did a number of fun classes together, like horseback riding.
[slug] Video linkups connect classrooms in Jeju and Australia
Since last year, the provincial office of education and an Australian school have worked together to connect the students of both countries.
Different from online video lectures, they use cameras and big screens to communicate in real time.
The students ask questions and answer freely, which encourages the children to participate more in the classes.
INTERVIEW Gal So-won / G5, Napeup Elementary School (May 16, 2017) I couldn’t understand every detail, but I could figure out what they wanted to talk about. I learned about what is good and unique about the Australian school. [인터뷰 갈소원 / 납읍초 5학년 (2017.5.16) ] "어려운 말이 있었지만 대충 알아들을 수 있었고 그 학교의 좋은 점과 특이한 점을 알 수 있었어요. "
The information technology based video classes will be expanded this year.
7 elementary schools and 1 middle school on the island had internationally connected classrooms last year. 20 more rural schools will have the new type of the class this year.
Recording Go Deok-gyu / Provincial office of education The Australian school wants to connect more of their classes with ours. They’re pleased that we plan to expand the program. [녹취 고덕규 / 제주도교육청 국제교육협력과장] "(호주에서도) 원하는데 실질적으로 국외는 할 수 있는 곳이 많지않은데 마침 제주가 대폭 운영한다니까 호주서도 적극 나서고 있는 실정입니다."
Schools will focus on information technology education to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution which is characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres.
IT related subjects have been optional. But they will be mandatory for elementary grades 5 and 6 and middle schools.
53 local schools will provide intensive software classes and IT related student club activities and festivals will be encouraged.
[Reporter] Mike Balfour [Camera] Kim Seung-cheol
However, only 40 percent of elementary schools and only 1 percent of high schools are able to access wireless internet.
To realize the IT based classes, wireless internet infrastructure needs to be built.
