Helping Children in South Korea to Dream Further

Technology is fast making its way into the classroom—and for good reason. In South Korea, students are actively leveraging new technology to enhance their learning experience. While advanced learning tools are easily accessible to students in Korea’s largest cities, school administrators are often faced with the challenge of extending the benefits of technology to students in outlying provinces.

Upon completing the Hour of Code, the children were given a digital certificate to commemorate
their achievement

In November, Microsoft collaborated with nonprofit Dream Together to organise the “Dream Together Grand Festival” exhibition at Jangseong County, aimed at helping young children in more remote provinces experience learning the skills of tomorrow, such as coding. Microsoft has previously supported Dream Together on several educational and coding activities, including the recent SmallBasic Camp.

The one-day event, held at an old remodelled school with themed workshops to provide a fun and conducive learning environment, attracted more than 800 children and parents. Microsoft’s exhibition booth featured 10 connected Microsoft Surface tablets, and a computer fitted with the latest applications for visitors to try their hands at coding. The excitement and enthusiasm of the children was palpable as they completed a series of Angry Birds-themed puzzles.

“The coding activities conducted at the booth showcased how learning to code can be a very fun and enriching endeavour,” said Jin Hee Bae, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Microsoft Korea. “We see the potential for young people in Jangseong: getting a head start in picking up 21st century skills will be useful for them in the future—especially in an age where computers are fast dominating every aspect of our daily lives.”

Participants were quizzed on IT questions by Seoul-based Microsoft employees via Lync and Skype

The young visitors were also able to use the Lync and Skype web-conferencing applications to participate in IT quizzes conducted remotely by Microsoft employees located in Seoul.

“I will never forget my experience at the festival, especially at the Microsoft booth. It was my first time coding and I never imagined it would be so fun! I learned so much and I was really impressed by how we can communicate with someone located miles away,” exclaimed 12-year-old Yoon Ju Kim.