Looking to set a new standard in education, leaders at Hallym University partnered with edX to embrace technology and build a new educational framework to meet today’s global demands. By integrating AI-powered teaching tools, diversifying curricula, and leveraging hybrid learning, Hallym pioneered the “K-University Model,” which is already helping both students and teachers succeed.
Challenge: Decreased enrollments, new global standards
Faced with reduced enrollment numbers, leaders at Hallym University decided to adapt their academic model to meet the needs of today’s students by harnessing the power of technology.
Hallym University, located about an hour from Seoul, decided to partner with edX to increase enrollments, embrace new technologies, and offer students an educational model that resonated with international trends. Inspired by the global influence of K-pop and K-drama, Hallym created the “K-University Model”: A powerful new initiative that would offer AI-powered teaching tools and modular courses via a single cutting-edge online platform.
Solution: Educational innovation and AI-powered pilot courses
With the help of edX, Hallym University was able to bring its innovative K-University Model to life, diversify the curriculum, and offer AI-powered courses and teaching tools. Hallym began with a pilot program, introducing AI-powered undergraduate courses in a wide array of subjects, including climate change and urban policy, machine learning, accounting, chemistry, and nano bioengineering. Pilot course subject matter was curated to ensure a balance between STEM and social science disciplines, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education.
Impact
Hallym’s edX partnership allowed them to strengthen their offerings in several valuable ways, including:
Enhanced accessibility. Hallym University decreased language barriers and increased comprehension by incorporating AI translation tools in course materials so students could select their preferred study language.
Flexible implementation. Seven professors were enlisted to develop the edX-integrated courses, each bringing a unique approach to implementation within the curriculum. Some faculty members used edX content as supplementary learning materials, while others integrated it into required homework for credit. While some professors incorporated edX into pre-study material to prepare students for class discussions, others employed edX tools as post-study material to reinforce key concepts. Thanks to edX’s flexible offerings, both students and professors alike can adapt the tools to suit their educational approach.
Rapid scaling. By leveraging edX’s robust platform, Hallym University was able to rapidly test and scale online learning offerings.
Results: Lessons learned
Impact on faculty: Adapting teaching methods and enhancing pedagogical skills
The edX initiative strengthened faculty teaching skills by equipping them with new tools and approaches for online and in-personal learning. Realizing the huge potential at hand, faculty members observed that integrating online learning materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures.
Hemin Choi, Assistant Professor at the Hallym AI Convergence Institute & Graduate School of Global Cooperation, said that junior professors found edX to be a valuable resource for both training and education, helping with everything from curriculum design to course development.
Key insights:
Online resources complement traditional teaching. The flexibility of the edX platform allowed professors to experiment with various teaching methods, such as using edX materials as pre-study resources, supplementary learning tools, or post-study reinforcement. This experimentation gave teachers more pedagogical options and gave them more tools at their disposal for improving engagement.
Senior students excel at hybrid learning. The hybrid model was especially effective for senior students, who were generally more adept at self-directed learning.
Online learning deepened discussions. Faculty members observed that integrating online materials allowed them to focus more on facilitating in-depth discussions and providing personalized support, rather than delivering standard lectures
The pilot program enhanced the pedagogical skills of the faculty, equipping them with new tools and approaches that can be applied to both online and in-person teaching. It also prompted many faculty members to advocate for broader adoption of hybrid learning models across the university.
Impact on students: Fostering self-directed learning and global competence
The flexibility and range offered by the edX platform helped Hallym students to deepen their engagement and understanding across the board. Students benefited from:
More flexibility. edX’s flexible structure allowed students to engage with course materials at their own pace, at times and in settings that were most conducive to their learning.
A global perspective, in a local context. Participation in lectures and assignments that were also available to a global audience gave students a broader understanding of their field of study. Class discussions with peers and professors helped students apply this global content to local issues, helping them develop a well-rounded and nuanced perspective on their studies.
Impact on university administration: Strategic planning and future directions
Within a month of purchasing 100 subscription licenses, the utilization rate reached 100% with its intended users. Of the 190 enrollments, 147 courses were completed by learners. University administration concluded that the AI-powered hybrid learning model not only met the immediate needs of students and faculty but also aligned with the university’s long-term objectives of innovation and global engagement.
The successful integration of edX into the Hallym curriculum provides valuable insights into how modern technology can be leveraged to enhance educational outcomes while helping universities achieve their strategic goals.
This partnership marks a critical step toward Hallym’s goals: To raise the bar for academic excellence and give students the skill sets they need for success.
