Kyung Hee Cyber University, Pearl S. Buck Foundation Host Workshop for Multicultural Instructors

Kyung Hee Cyber University's Education Innovation Center, in collaboration with the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, hosted a workshop aimed at bolstering the professional capabilities of instructors who are married immigrants. The event delved into the changing landscape of multicultural education, sharing AI-driven teaching methodologies and practical case studies applicable to the field.

The Pearl S. Buck Foundation, established in 1965 by the author of "The Good Earth," supports the growth of multicultural children and adolescents, as well as the social settlement and empowerment of married immigrants. Kyung Hee Cyber University and the foundation have a partnership focused on promoting multicultural values and educational cooperation.

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We will actively connect the university's educational environment and resources so that you, the instructors who are key leaders in a multicultural society, can continue learning and enhance your expertise without constraints of time and space.

This workshop was designed to help instructors, who are active in bilingual and multicultural social integration education in schools and communities, understand evolving educational trends and effectively utilize AI and EdTech in their classrooms. The session included a special lecture by Seo Jin-sook, head of the Global Autonomous Studies department, titled "AI Education, Starting in the Classroom." She highlighted the increasing diversity within multicultural classrooms, noting that students born or raised in Korea, even those with immigrant backgrounds, exhibit varied language use and learning experiences. Seo emphasized the need to consider generational characteristics alongside national origin and native language when designing lessons.

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Generations divide language. We must design classes considering not only a student's origin or native language but also their growth environment and generational characteristics.

Seo demonstrated practical applications of generative AI across five key areas: lesson preparation and material creation, pronunciation and speaking practice, writing feedback and summarization, vocabulary and grammar enhancement, and assessment item generation. She showcased AI-generated videos, images, comics, and presentations, illustrating how AI can streamline lesson preparation and create engaging educational content. Participants actively discussed AI tool selection and implementation strategies based on their real-world teaching experiences.

"AI is a tool to assist teachers, not replace them," Seo stated. "More important than the tool itself is what and how you ask questions. It's necessary to consistently apply even small things in your lessons." The workshop also introduced Kyung Hee Cyber University's Global Autonomous Studies program, which offers step-by-step support for Korean language proficiency, academic skills, and career development for adult learners with multicultural backgrounds. The program includes language support, scholarships through the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, and counseling to help instructors enhance their expertise and pursue new career paths.

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AI is a tool to assist teachers, not replace them. More important than the tool itself is what and how you ask questions. It's necessary to consistently apply even small things in your lessons.