‘Ssa-kang’ (abbreviation for cyber lectures) remain highly popular among students each semester. These courses are provided through the ‘university e-Learning credit recognition consortium,’ a shared university system led by Hanyang University in collaboration with participating universities. Established in 2007 to expand the foundation for shared general education among universities, the consortium currently operates with the participation of 47 universities.

The 2024 e-Learning Credit Recognition Consortium Outstanding Professors Award Ceremony was held on February 25, at the HEAT Room in Hanyang University’s Administration Building. The event commenced with opening remarks from Ryu Ho-kyoung, Vice President for Academic Innovation, followed by the presentation of awards to outstanding professors.

This year’s outstanding professors were Professor Kim Moon-seok from Kwangwoon University’s Department of Northeast Asian Cultural Industries, who teaches ‘Color Mind and Modern Life,’ and Professor Doo Ill-chul from ERICA Campus’s Department of Cultural Contents, who teaches ‘Cultural Technology and Social Change.’ We spoke with the awardees to learn more about their teaching philosophies.

Professor Kim Moon-seok, who teaches ‘Color Mind and Modern Life,’ is an alumnus of Hanyang University and is currently a professor at Kwangwoon University’s Department of Northeast Asian Cultural Industries. Expressing his gratitude for the award, he stated, “I entered Hanyang University in 1989, and 36 years later, receiving an award here is truly an honor. Given that this ceremony is being held in the HEAT Room, I take it as encouragement to remain passionate and dedicated.”

Professor Kim emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of color, stating, “Color is a fundamental element across various disciplines, including art, psychology, chemistry, and engineering.” Since earning his doctorate in design, he has been driven by a goal to create lectures that not only impart knowledge but also bring about change in students’ lives. He further explained, “As a general education course, I designed this lecture to be accessible and enjoyable for non-specialists in the field of color studies.” Over the past decade, more than 40,000 students have enrolled in his course, for which he expressed deep appreciation.

Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared, “After letting go of unnecessary burdens, I realized that what remained were brushes and paints—I had always wanted to draw.” Regarding his future goals, he revealed that he plans to pursue what he truly loves after his career as a professor.

In closing, he remarked, “Many people struggle in life due to competition or other pressures. I hope that life’s goal shifts from worrying about tomorrow to enjoying today with happiness and enthusiasm.”

Upon receiving the award, Professor Doo Ill-chul expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is an honor to be recognized in a lecture offered at a national level. Being selected as an outstanding professor among esteemed faculty members from prestigious universities across the country is both rewarding and humbling.”

Professor Doo’s course, ‘Cultural Technology and Social Change,’ was first introduced in 2009 and has been running for 15 years, with over 20,000 students from universities nationwide having taken the class. The lecture examines societal transformations driven by technological advancements—such as artificial intelligence and ICT development—through a cultural lens.

Holding a master’s degree in computer engineering and a doctorate in cultural contents, Professor Doo recognized the need for courses that integrate engineering and humanities. His goal is to create lectures that are “informative and comprehensible for all students,” ensuring that the course content remains relatable and engaging for a broad audience.

He shared his future goal, saying, “I want to establish courses utilizing AI tutors,” and added, “Influencer Human AI can conduct real-time lectures in the classroom, playing a bridging role between professors and students.” He also mentioned, “In modern society, AI has become inseparable from learning,” and concluded with, “However, not everything AI presents is the answer, so it would be good to continue with independent learning.”