On the 19th, Gachon University revealed its plans to embrace the AI era through significant educational reforms. The university has redefined artificial intelligence not as a mere auxiliary tool, but as a crucial skill for creative problem-solving. This initiative will involve a complete redesign of the educational process, from teacher training to student evaluation. A major focus is on enhancing faculty capabilities, highlighted by a program that provided intensive AI training to 60 professors over four weeks, complete with substantial funding for course development. Faculty member Jeong Sun-joo expressed newfound confidence in integrating AI into classes and recognized the necessity for ongoing learning among educators.

In tandem with faculty development, Gachon University plans to bolster AI education for students significantly. Starting in 2024, over 8,000 students will be required to take foundational AI courses, with the potential to earn up to 8 credits. The curriculum will evolve into a three-tiered program catering to various disciplines, spanning from introductory courses to applied generative AI. Notably, the number of AI-related courses offered has surged to 191 for the upcoming semester, marking a 133% increase over the previous year.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking change is in evaluation methods. Gachon University will progressively permit the use of AI in assignments and exams, shifting the focus from merely quantifying code usage to assessing the speed and accuracy with which students solve problems in collaboration with AI. A task force is set to be established next month to develop ethical guidelines and differentiated standards for AI use across various academic fields. President Lee Gil-yeo emphasized that AI should be regarded as a learning tool and a necessary skill that all students must acquire for innovative and responsible use in their academic pursuits.