The Gyeonggi Provincial Office of Education (GPOE) is ramping up its efforts to improve local school facilities and promote innovative educational environments, as outlined during recent training programs and award recognitions for educational excellence.
On the agenda is a significant training session scheduled for the 27th, gathering over 330 facility management staff from various roles, including administrative, technical, and construction positions. This first face-to-face training focuses on enhancing practical skills and professionalism among school facility managers, adapting to the increasing complexity and specialization required to manage educational spaces today.
According to the GPOE, the necessity for such advanced management practices stems from the modernization of school facilities, which now require comprehensive knowledge of legal frameworks around infrastructure. Insights will be shared on effective methods, such as managing facilities with anti-freeze systems and using drone technology for maintenance and inspections, creating hands-on applications for the participants.
Engaging with various regional success stories will reportedly be part of the training, aiming to demonstrate effective strategies for improving school environments. The GPOE expressed the initiative's intent to share experiences about the installation and maintenance of systems to prevent frozen pipes, along with examining the significance of drainage systems within schools. By focusing on practical improvements, the GPOE expects staff to return with actionable knowledge to create safer, more comfortable learning environments for students.
Building on these improvements, the GPOE was also recognized for its innovative educational facilities at the recent ‘2024 Korea Excellent Educational Facilities Competition,’ where it won the Excellence Award for its Gyeonggi Education Media Center. This center, situated across four levels covering over 4,058 square meters, is equipped with modern broadcasting studios and media literacy classrooms aimed at nurturing students’ digital competencies.
This facility reflects the GPOE's commitment to student-centered learning models, developed from the planning stages to create spaces where collaborative and creative activities can flourish. With this design approach, the GPOE demonstrated its dedication to elevatorial education standards across the board, marking another highlight for its educational offerings.
Kim Gwitai, Head of Facilities at the GPOE, noted the significance of this recognition, asserting, “This award showcases the creative and effective design of educational spaces, which have been acknowledged nationally.” The Center is set to be exhibited at next year’s National Education Fair, promoting Gyeonggi Province’s progressive educational infrastructure.
With these initiatives and accolades, the GPOE is forging forward to develop even more innovative spaces for learning, ensuring its programs adapt to the needs of contemporary education. This proactive approach not only addresses current educational challenges but also sets the stage for future growth and development within the Gyeonggi learnscape.
