"From Elementary to High School, the Only Platform for All Subjects" ... US Professors Praise Gyeongnam Office of Education's 'iTalkTalk'

Professor Igor Himelfarb of Lincoln University (left) and Professor Baek Jaehee of San Francisco State University are discussing Gyeongnam Office of Education's 'iTalkTalk'. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Se-ryeong Lee] American data analysis and student cognitive and emotional development experts praised the big data and artificial intelligence (AI) platform ‘Itoktok’ created by the Gyeongnam Office of Education.

Professor Jaehee Baek of San Francisco State University and Professor Igor Himelfarb of Lincoln University attended a press briefing held by the provincial Office of Education on the 8th under the theme ‘Future Education Based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.’

The two professors visited the Office of Education after presenting on Itoktok at the ‘Future Education Artificial Intelligence (AI) Public Forum ? Curating the Direction of Future Schools’ held at Seoul National University on the 7th, wishing to observe classes using Itoktok.

They cited as strengths of Itoktok that, unlike the U.S. where platforms are subject-specific, all subjects are included in one platform, and that it can be continuously used from elementary to high school students.

They also highly valued the fact that the platform combines testing programs and study programs to enable learning and grading of subjects.

Professor Himelfarb said, “Itoktok is unique in that all subjects are available on a single platform,” and added, “In a global situation where infectious diseases are widespread, the need for education on social, emotional, and affective aspects is increasing, and Itoktok includes programs that serve social and emotional functions.”

He also predicted that Itoktok would become an alternative to the growing private education sector.

“Through the big data and AI platform, it was discovered and predicted that 25% of students are either behind or ahead in learning progress compared to others,” he said. “By checking the learning progress and pace in advance, it can prevent situations where students cannot keep up, which will empower Itoktok to replace private education.”

Professor Baek emphasized that personalized education for students is “not a choice but an essential educational method for future students.”

She added, “The power of education lies in nurturing students’ strengths and helping to fill their weaknesses. Teachers and students should learn together on the platform, supplement learning, and raise parents’ awareness of the importance of using the platform and personalized education.”

Professor Himelfarb also said, “AI systems can perform many tasks faster and more accurately than humans, and humans are the ones who control these machines. Considering the future and development of our students, the power to create alongside machine learning and the ability to build relationships and collaborate with people from various countries are necessary.”

He reiterated, “Itoktok will be a good platform to support social and emotional functions.”

After the briefing, the two professors attended a future-oriented class open event held at Jinyeong Jangdeung Elementary School to observe school utilization cases of Itoktok and the use of educational data.

The provincial Office of Education plans to continuously share information on data collection, analysis, AI development, and application related to Itoktok with them.

Park Jong-hoon, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Office of Education, is speaking about the promotion of 'iTalkTalk'. / Photo by Ryeong Lee ryeong@

Superintendent Jonghun Park said, “While implementing Itoktok, I had doubts about whether we were on the right track, but through yesterday’s forum and today’s briefing, I was able to confirm the achievements of Itoktok.”

He added, “Hearing that comprehensive data accumulation for all subjects and the entire curriculum is unprecedented worldwide gives me renewed confidence. We will supplement and promote Itoktok to strengthen this confidence even further.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.