“Sustainable Future with AI and Software” - The 2024 Korea Software Education Festival Kicks Off

The “2024 Korea Software Education Festival” (hereinafter referred to as the Festival) a prominent event in AI and software education for future generations will take place from November 1 (Friday) to November 3 (Sunday) at the Pi Factory Bon Davinci Museum Neung-dong Seoul. Organized by the Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister: Yoo Sang-lim hereinafter referred to as MSIT) and the Ministry of Education (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister: Lee Joo-ho) and hosted by the Korea Foundation for the Advancement of Science and Creativity (Chairman: Cho Yul-rae) the Festival is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary under the theme of “A Sustainable Future with AI and Software.”

This year’s event marking the 10th anniversary will include a commemorative opening ceremony and special exhibitions with three main themes and spaces: the “AI and Software Museum” exploring the journey of digital education the “AI and Software Arena” offering interactive experiences and the “D-EX Experience Center” filled with engaging digital education content.

❶ The AI and Software Museum features a range of programs that present both the current and future landscapes of digital education. Upon entering the venue visitors will walk through a Digital Media Tunnel which visualizes a future world shaped by the convergence of AI and software followed by an “Interactive Wall” zone where visitors can engage with scenarios of future daily life with AI for youth.

Additionally the Festival introduces key digital education programs supported by the government. As part of the “Software Companion Projects” launched this year 104 youth clubs will present project outcomes themed around sustainable development goals. Other featured programs include the flagship “Digital Buds” initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills for elementary middle and high school students and software projects created by students from Software Meister High Schools.

❷ The AI and Software Arena serves as the main square of the Festival where various events unfold over three days. On November 1 (Friday) the opening ceremony will kick off the festivities followed by a discussion on lesson design competitions (Edutons) for prospective teachers from teaching universities. November 2 (Saturday) will feature a gathering day where local elementary and middle school students discuss outcomes from the “Software Mirroring Future” initiative which supports digital education expansion and reduces educational disparities. A student who won the grand prize at the 2022 Korea Code Fair will also share their journey toward becoming a future software talent. On November 3 (Sunday) the final day will include the 2024 CODE Finals and Awards Ceremony which showcases the ideas and presentations from Digital Buds along with expert lectures.

An “AI in Schools” promotional center jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and MSIT will introduce elementary middle and high school students to AI data science experiences with interactive programs to provide hands-on learning in AI fundamentals and technology application.

❸ The D-EX Experience Center is divided into “Digital Zone” “Education Zone” and “Technology Zone” offering digital education experience programs accessible to all ages created by industry academia and research institutions. Attendees can explore educational tools and projects on AI and software created by domestic ed-tech companies and experience AI and software lessons currently being implemented in schools. Additionally displays and programs showcasing excellent AI and software education achievements by elementary middle high schools and universities are available for visitors.

For the first time this year’s Festival introduces Festival Guides made up of university students and experts with a strong interest and knowledge in AI and software education to maximize visitor immersion and engagement. These guides will lead visitors through the event providing in-depth explanations of key exhibits.

In addition the Festival will offer a variety of activities such as a Lego AI autonomous driving coding competition for elementary middle and high school students nationwide an AI Photo Booth where photos are transformed into desired styles a personalized perfume experience based on AI recommendations and a “Catch Up! Festival” event where visitors can capture memorable photos at main event locations.

The 2024 Software Education Festival coincides with the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Commission which aims to make Korea one of the world’s top three AI leaders highlighting the importance of AI and software education for future generations in an era where AI determines national competitiveness and economic growth. Today as digital education becomes essential the Festival provides a valuable opportunity for students teachers and parents to engage in digital learning.

Kang Do-hyun Vice Minister of MSIT emphasized “Our goal is to foster a digitally inclusive society where digital innovation benefits everyone. We are committed to nurturing future talent and addressing educational gaps to achieve sustainable prosperity” adding “We hope this Festival reaffirms the role of education in building a sustainable future and shares the direction our AI and software education should take.”

Vice Minister Oh Seok-hwan of the Ministry of Education stated “Through AI and software education we aim to equip future talent with essential digital skills fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities in students” and highlighted “The Ministry of Education will continue to promote various education policies to provide broader opportunities.”

Event schedules and details are available on the 2024 Korea Software Education Festival website (www.software.kr).

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