[Global HR Forum 2011] ‘Smart Learning’: Convergence of IT & Education

‘Smart Learning’: Convergence of IT & Education

 

 

In just four years, digital textbooks could replace standard textbooks used in schools. Gone will be the days when students carry around heavily loaded backpacks. A student may be at home due to illness or inclement weather. Not to worry. Students can simply log into their online classrooms. Academic content can be accessed anytime anywhere using a computer or mobile device that can connect to the internet. To make this ‘smart education’ a reality, the Korean government is investing more than 2.2 trillion won or about 2 billion US dollars. 

 

 

 

During the forum’s second day, a plenary session on ‘Learning into the Future: Advances in Technology-based Education’ will be held to discuss the effectiveness and potential growth of ‘smart education.’ on the last day, a session titled ‘The Role of Higher Education in the Next Decade’ will be presented by Keun Namgoong, president of Seoul National University of Science and Technology along with Paul Greenfield, president of the University of Queensland. Scholars in the educational field will come together to discuss the two themes ‘innovation’ and ‘unity.’ The session will utilize case examples of the University of Queensland, ranked among the top 50 universities in the world; Yonsei University, which aims to make the leap from a top tier institution in Korea to a global elite; and Woosong University, which continually strives to implement innovative methods of teaching.

 

“In order to meet the needs of today, a new role of higher education is required,” said President Greenfield. “In line with rapid globalization and technological advances, the role of higher education needs to change as well.” The panel will extensively discuss issues that universities both in Korea and abroad are faced with including low birth rate, disparity in manpower demand and supply and the transient nature of skilled workers.