DGIST to Foster Problem-Solving Skills Through AI... Recruiting 85 Students in Grades 5–8 for AI/SW School

The DGIST (President Lee Gunwoo) Institute for Convergence Talent Education announced on September 29 that it will be recruiting approximately 85 new students for the 2027 academic year for the 'DGIST AI/SW SCHOOL,' targeting 5th and 6th grade elementary school students and 1st and 2nd grade middle school students in the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region. A total of 10 programs will be offered, including 6 mathematics and science convergence courses and 4 artificial intelligence tracks. Applications will be accepted from 10:00 AM on October 19 until 6:00 PM on November 20, and all application fees will be fully waived.

The DGIST AI/SW SCHOOL is designed not simply to teach artificial intelligence as a standalone subject, but to encourage students to use AI directly as a tool for data analysis, simulation, and modeling within mathematics and science inquiry courses, fostering an environment where they independently explore and solve real-world problems. In particular, the curriculum incorporates DGIST’s leading research fields—such as bio, brain science, physics, and robotics—at a level appropriate for students, providing learning experiences connected with actual research settings at the Institute of Science and Technology.

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For each program, a team consisting of one DGIST faculty advisor, one or two instructors or doctoral-level researchers experienced in gifted education, and a teaching assistant will mentor a small group of approximately 10 students. The curriculum is structured so that prior learning of upper-grade school subjects is not required, and is centered on problem-based learning (PBL), project-based learning, and experimental labs and practicals. This approach is designed to foster scientific inquiry skills by enabling students to generate their own questions and search for solutions independently.

Beyond the regular curriculum, DGIST’s main campus will hold camps totaling 20 sessions per year, offering lab experiences, researcher mentoring, project presentations, and various other programs. All curricula include education in AI ethics and reading, and current students benefit from academic and career counseling, mentoring from DGIST undergraduate and graduate students, and special programs such as the family-inclusive 'Night of Counting Stars.'

DGIST is working to establish a gifted education center in accordance with the 'Gifted Education Promotion Act' to systematically develop the AI/SW SCHOOL as an institution for gifted education. The relevant approval process is currently underway, and upon accreditation, it will operate as the 'DGIST-affiliated AX Gifted Education Center designated by the Ministry of Science and ICT.'

Seok Changwon, Director of the DGIST Institute for Convergence Talent Education, stated, "We have designed the curriculum so that students in the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region can gain experience in exploring and solving real-world problems using AI as a tool at a science and technology institute equipped with advanced scientific infrastructure. We look forward to the enthusiastic participation and applications from students who possess both the potential and the drive for inquiry in mathematics, science, and AI."

Meanwhile, two admission briefing sessions for the 2027 intake will be held: first, on October 14 at 7:00 PM at the International Conference Room in the DGIST Research Administration Building (R1); and a second session on October 17 at 11:00 AM at the Daegu Scale-Up Hub (DASH) Auditorium.

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