A Collaborative Exploration of Convergence Education in the Age of AI - A Global Event Co-organized by JYU and Korea National University of Education
Organized by the International Society for the Advancement of STEAM (ISAS) and hosted online, the conference fostered discussions that were as insightful as they were impactful. As an Associate Professor at Korea National University of Education (KNUE), Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥'s Innovative Learning Environments researcher, Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi was honored to co-organize this event, which embodied the spirit of collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges of 21st-century education.
ICAS 2024 YouTube Playlist: Watch all talks here!
Opening the Dialogue: A Vision for the Future
The day began with a warm welcome from Professor Seoung-Hey Paik, President of ISAS, who set the tone for the conference with her call to action for integrating AI into educational systems. She emphasized that AI is not merely a technological tool but a transformative force requiring educators to embrace interdisciplinary approaches and convergence education. Her words framed the discussions that followed, highlighting the urgent need to adapt education for an increasingly interconnected world.
A New Perspective on Convergence Education
The first keynote address by Professor Mihye Kim of Chungbuk National University introduced participants to the potential of convergence education. Through detailed case studies, Professor Kim shared how interdisciplinary programs between students from Korea, China, Japan, and Australia foster collaborative learning and problem-solving. Her presentation illustrated that convergence education is about bridging disciplines and connecting people across cultures to address global challenges collectively. The audience reflected on the creative possibilities of blending academic, cultural, and institutional strengths.
Parallel Paths: Exploring the Many Facets of STEAM Education
The conference then transitioned into three parallel sessions, each diving into unique facets of STEAM education.
In one session, moderated by Kristóf Fenyvesi, educators and researchers from around the world examined the current issues in international education. Dan Harris from RMIT University in Australia shared a compelling critique of how the arts are often sidelined in favor of STEM disciplines, advocating instead for more inclusive STEAM approaches. Kit Mei Jammie Lo from The Education University of Hong Kong provided a vivid example of transdisciplinary learning through creative tools like Makey Makey, showing how such methods ignite young minds. Meanwhile, Jari Laru from the University of Oulu in Finland demonstrated how AI-based tools could empower teachers and students alike, showcasing applications designed to teach digital literacy even to the youngest learners.
Another session, moderated by Youngmi Kim, focused on the "Digital Sprouts Project in Korea." The presentations explored the transformative use of generative AI in education. Chanhee Lee from KNUE shared insights into how teachers use AI to personalize learning experiences and reduce preparation time, while Sungyeol You from Gongju National University highlighted iterative models for teaching AI concepts to elementary students. Jeong UYeong of Dajeong Elementary School captivated the audience with his program integrating digital arts education, inspiring young learners to use AI tools creatively.
A third session, moderated by Professor Young-Hoon Kim, brought diverse topics into conversation. Jaewook Suh from KNUE discussed the need for integrating humanities into career education to foster ethical decision-making and holistic growth. Byung-Yeol Park from Dankook University presented a project-based learning approach addressing climate change, showing how students from diverse majors tackled environmental and social challenges. Closing the session, Eunhye Shin from Ewha Womans University explored the integration of symbolic regression into physics education, emphasizing its potential to deepen students' understanding of mathematical modeling.
The Roundtable: A Global Exchange of Ideas
The highlight of the day was a roundtable discussion featuring prominent voices in education research. Chaired by Carla M.A. Pinto from the University of Porto, the session included insights from Thomas K. F. Chiu of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who proposed frameworks for building AI literacy and competency among school students. Hiromi Yokoyama from the University of Tokyo delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the intersection of AI and climate ethics, calling for a "Green ELSI" approach to education. Wing Kin Cheng from Hong Kong Metropolitan University shared practical strategies for using AI tools in mathematics education, demonstrating their potential to enhance both teacher efficiency and student engagement.
This dialogue underscored the shared challenges and diverse approaches to integrating AI and convergence education across different regions and contexts.
Closing Reflections: Insights from Andreas Schleicher
As the conference drew to a close, Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at OECD, delivered the final keynote address. His presentation delved into the persistent gender gap in STEM education, shedding light on the societal and psychological barriers that prevent girls from pursuing careers in science and engineering. Schleicher challenged educators to think beyond academic metrics and consider the emotional and social dimensions that influence students’ future choices. His address served as both a call to action and a reminder of the critical role educators play in shaping equitable opportunities for all learners.
A Shared Commitment to Educational Innovation
In her closing remarks, Dr. Mi Yung Hong, research professor at KNUE and co-organizer of ICAS 2024, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the speakers and participants who made the event a success. She emphasized that the conference was more than an academic gathering—it was a catalyst for future collaborations and a testament to the power of collective effort in addressing global educational challenges.
ICAS 2024 concluded with a sense of shared purpose and renewed energy to advance the principles of convergence education. The ideas and innovations discussed during the event will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of education in the age of AI, inspiring both policy and practice in the years to come.
