The prolonged pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges to classrooms. However, the students and teachers at Sangsu Elementary School could spend the difficult times wisely and keep up their spirit thanks to Samsung Smart School.

Located in the rural Gyeonggi province, Sangsu Elementary School was selected as Samsung Smart School in 2016. Ever since then, the school could conduct various classes using a range of IT devices like tablets and PCs, and students’ coding skills improved dramatically to the point where they can write text-based codes, which is a coding ability comparable to that of middle school students. As words of its success spread out, the number of Sangsu students gradually increased from 45 students in 2016 to 95 students in 2021.

Learning coding during PE class

Hyeji Park, a sixth grade teacher, had contemplated new learning methods that would foster students’ skills needed in this fast changing world. She put heads together with her colleagues to help students to learn how to express their idea and cooperate with one another whilst maintaining social distancing.

Ms. Park designed a comprehensive class of physical education and coding lesson. Using the smart devices from Samsung and incorporating coding into their project, the students worked on a code for a hamster robot. The code they created together directed the bot to move according to the motions they made. All the students participated actively, freely expressing their ideas.

“It was amazing that two different curriculums – physical education and software – have merged into an interactive digital education that motivates the students to be more engaged,” says Ms. Park. “I’m thankful to Samsung Smart School for expanding students’ knowledge and experience in the IT field.”

Raising digital awareness in classroom

“Students need education on digital citizenship,” says Sungmi Ki, a fifth grade teacher. Ms. Ki conducted a class on cyber violence with her students using devices and content from Samsung Smart School. The students were encouraged to research the issue using PCs and tablets they were provided with. They explored different materials and thought critically about the issue, and could present their opinions with logic. Even those who were afraid of speaking in public learned how to express themselves on the Internet by writing and uploading on tablets. Ms. Ki thanked Samsung saying, “The students’ presentation and expression skills have improved tremendously through Samsung Smart School. As teachers, we are exploring new ways of teaching and how best to help them grow even more.”

“School is so fun!” When hearing these words from the students, Sangsu teachers’ hearts swell with pride. At the same time, they are motivated to provide more beneficial and fun classes for their pupils. With Samsung Smart School, the students and teachers of Sangsu Elementary School are creating the future of education together.