Do Seong-hoon, the Superintendent of the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education, emphasized that in an educational environment where artificial intelligence quickly generates answers, the essential skills students need are not merely accepting information but rather thinking independently, asking questions, and solving real-life problems. He stated that teachers must lead the transformation of future education by focusing on people and relationships.
On July 28, the superintendent delivered a special lecture titled 'Incheon Education in the Age of AI: Thinking, Questioning, and Acting' to 240 educators participating in a training program for Level 1 teachers at the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education Training Center.
This training was designed for mid-career teachers who will be responsible for classroom instruction, life education, and school organization, equipping them with the expertise and educational leadership needed to respond to changes in future society and to connect AI technology with students' lives and growth.
Despite the rapid capabilities of generative AI in knowledge retrieval, writing, and data analysis, the superintendent stressed that the role of education in determining what questions students ask and how they interpret results is becoming increasingly important. He explained that lesson design should prioritize fostering critical thinking, creativity, and community over mere technological utilization.
He particularly highlighted the need to use AI not as a tool that provides answers but as an educational means to help students explore problems from different perspectives and express their thoughts. Teachers should create learning processes that involve reviewing the accuracy and potential biases of information provided by AI alongside their students.
The lecture also showcased examples of teachers tailoring materials and assignments to match students' levels, interests, and learning speeds, utilizing AI to diversify participation and feedback methods. Educators were encouraged to become active agents in designing school-specific curricula rather than passive recipients of change.
This year, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education is expanding its digital infrastructure to support teachers' lesson preparation and personalized student learning through three AI educational services: an AI-customized teaching and learning platform, EBS question provision service, and Incheon AI education assistant.
Additionally, a project is underway to systematically manage teachers' AI and digital competencies. The Incheon AI Convergence Education Center is introducing digital certificates that validate the training and activities completed by teachers, enabling them to assess their competencies and supplement necessary education. This initiative is linked to the expansion of 'Read, Walk, Write AI' education, which combines humanistic reflection with AI technology.
The 'Read, Walk, Write' initiative, a core policy of Incheon education, aims to help students grow as active participants in life by reading books and the world, experiencing through walking, and expressing their thoughts through writing and various outcomes. The platform encourages integrated learning that promotes joyful reading and active participation in life processes.
Previously, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education has included digital literacy courses in training for new administrators and Level 1 teachers, and has operated basic and advanced training for teachers along with remote content to enhance their ability to make educational judgments and utilize digital technology effectively.
One participating teacher remarked, 'This was a time to reflect on what kind of learning we should provide to students in the AI era. I will create lessons that empower students to think and question independently rather than relying on AI's answers.'
Superintendent Do Seong-hoon stated, 'No matter how advanced technology becomes, the essence of education lies in student growth and human-centered values. We will continue to support the enhancement of teachers' professionalism to expand lessons that cultivate students' critical thinking and creativity while responsibly utilizing AI.'
Meanwhile, the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education plans to expand AI and digital education for teachers through the AI Convergence Education Center and the training center, sharing teaching examples and educational materials used in schools to reduce the technology utilization gap. There are also plans to strengthen digital citizenship education for students, focusing on AI competency, assessing information reliability, and respecting the rights and ethics of others.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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