Tekville Education: "We Need to Create a Win-Win Structure

Between Public and Private Education Companies"​

​Tekville Education is an EdTech company conducting various projects to contribute to fostering digital talents. Its key initiatives include integrated education for students and parents, as well as teacher training programs aimed at strengthening the professional competencies of elementary and secondary school

teachers.

Tekville Education was selected as the operator of the "Digital Sprout Camp," through which it has provided a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) and software (SW) education programs to more than 5,500 students to date. We spoke with Park Ki-hyun, CTO of Tekville Education, to discuss the current status and future vision for the Digital Sprout Camp and the development of digital talents.​​

Q. What motivated Tekville Education to participate as a Digital Sprout operating institution, and what were the key considerations when organizing the program?

A. Since 2023, Tekville Education has been running the "Digital Sprout Camp" for elementary, middle, and high school students in the Honam and Jeju regions, focusing on software (SW) and AI education. Our belief in the importance of developing students' SW skills dates back to 2018, when we began preparing related programs. The Digital Sprout initiative provided an excellent opportunity to offer these educational programs to a wider group of students.

When designing the program, we made efforts to reflect the unique characteristics of each region. For example, we developed projects such as creating AI robots to promote local tourism or planning smart farms to support the agricultural and fishing industries. Additionally, we aimed to align the program with the 2022 revised curriculum, fostering digital literacy across all subjects and cultivating future talents with these skills.

Q. How has the program performed so far?

A. To date, a total of 5,541 students have completed the Digital Sprout Camp, exceeding the initial goal of 4,560 participants by about 122%. After each session, we surveyed participants about their satisfaction and perceived efficacy, and over 90% of respondents reported a positive experience. Overall, the education program has been highly rated in terms of satisfaction.

Instructor competency has been a key factor contributing to this high level of satisfaction. Around 30% of the instructors for the Digital Sprout Camp are current school teachers, which enhances the connection to public education. Additionally, we focus on continuously improving the quality of our instructors. We hold instructor workshops and performance-sharing sessions for each cohort, encouraging the exchange of feedback and experiences. Instructors from previous cohorts are encouraged to participate in subsequent ones, allowing them to build on their experience.

Q. You are also conducting camps for students from remote schools, multicultural backgrounds, and special education. Are there any particular considerations for these groups?

A. Providing tailored education that meets the specific needs of each group is essential. While students from remote areas, multicultural backgrounds, and special education needs are often categorized as socially disadvantaged, the criteria for these classifications are not always clear.

For example, even in remote areas, multicultural students may be present. However, if the number of students at a particular school is too small, it can be challenging to offer a separate program. In such cases, we consider multiple factors and try to address various needs simultaneously.

For special education students, safety and the difficulty level of the content are the top priorities. We ensure a thorough understanding of public education requirements and carefully plan programs in collaboration with on-site staff. Additionally, instead of conducting programs only in centralized locations, we provide education directly to students in hard-to-reach areas, which is a part of our broader efforts.

​Q. What skills should students have to thrive in the digital age, and what role should the education industry play?

​A. Students in the digital era need to develop new competencies and skills, such as creativity, character, critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, in addition to concept-based knowledge. The methods of learning and teaching must also evolve. Instead of merely conveying knowledge, teachers and students should work together to create a learning environment that encourages students to take the initiative and learn independently.

EdTech should be used to create a win-win structure between public and private education companies, allowing for individualized learning experiences. Classes should also transition towards methods that promote interaction and active participation among students, such as discussions and project-based learning.

At the same time, it is crucial to enhance teachers' digital competencies. The quality of classroom instruction can only improve when teachers are proficient in digital tools. Tekville Education supports this by offering a variety of digital competency training programs for teachers, including the T.O.U.C.H. teacher training program and the Chathess Boot Camp (an EdTech platform), helping to enhance teachers' digital skills.