Name : Jiyeon Lee
Title : Solution Designer 
Organization : Education Innovation Institute
Date : Nov. 3rd, 2023

My name is Jiyeon Lee, affectionately known as Joy, here at Taejae University. True to my nickname, I have always embraced fresh challenges with genuine enthusiasm.

Since the inception of Taejae University and the Education Innovation Institute(EII), I have been fortunate to be part of a journey filled with valuable insights and discoveries. In this article, I am excited to offer a glimpse into our experiences and reflections in EII.

This series will comprise ten concise posts, delving into the subjects that currently engage our thoughts and discussions, such as faculty and students, technology, learning data, community, and organizational matters. Together, we will navigate the exhilarating terrain of educational innovation, sharing the joys and challenges that come our way.

Article #1 :  Who are the clientele of the Education Innovation Institute? 

The Educational Innovation Institute(EII) is one of the earliest organizations established while founding Taejae University. The team was gathered to deeply contemplate and prepare for the new form of education that Taejae University seeks to provide. The Institute has been deeply involved in the approval process with the Ministry of Education for establishing the new school, the preparations for the commencement of classes, and the support for classes after the start. In doing so, we have been pursuing the identity and differentiation of the education Taejae University offers.

While establishing a school and building the learning environment, EII confronted the fundamental question of who our clients are. Universities have traditionally been valued and essential institutions that reproduce new knowledge and educate students to become competent citizens. Taejae University is also dedicated to harnessing the capabilities of all teams to help students from Korea and various other countries grow into leaders at the forefront of the world.

At the core of EII’s commitment lies the recognition that our most significant client is the student. Our mission has been to construct an educational system and pedagogy that empowers every student to seamlessly adapt to Taejae University's educational offerings and thrive in alignment with the educational objectives. Our guiding principle has been to create systems that are not only inclusive but also easy to navigate, recognizing that there is still ample room for advancement in this field. Our responsibility is to build an environment where students can learn, express themselves, and foster creativity in the online learning realm, all while providing guidance and support. Moreover, we are ready to provide consultations and immediate assistance to students who may encounter academic challenges.

Another important group of clients for the Educational Innovation Institute(EII) are our faculty members. Taejae University places great value on being a teaching-centered institution, emphasizing the practical education of our students. Our esteemed professors share an immense passion and pride in their roles as educators. They are open to various opinions and actively contribute their ideas to foster growth and development as educators. In collaboration with our faculty members to support their teaching, EII has set a fundamental principle: prompt feedback.

This principle is designed to provide quick and reliable feedback, aiming to alleviate the psychological burden that professors may feel when navigating the challenges of teaching in new environments with diverse students and content. We are always ready to listen and send a reassuring signal that we are here to support our faculty members, which is our ultimate goal. It's our way of ensuring that our professors continue to evolve and thrive as educators, contributing to the university's commitment to exceptional teaching.

In the subsequent sections of our discussion, it's worth mentioning that other staff members at Taejae University also hold a vital place among our key clients. Sharing our educational objectives and values and working in alignment with the same vision is a crucial endeavor to achieve our collective goals ultimately. Collaborating with our colleagues who may not directly engage in teaching is integral to the overall success of our educational mission. It is essential for them to understand the significance and impact of their roles in the educational landscape, as well as to foster a shared sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

Ultimately, what we aspire to achieve is the creation of a healthy and tightly-knit learning community that we can build together with all those who share our vision. It's about fostering a community where students support each other's learning, where professors learn alongside each other, and where both faculty and students engage in collaborative, creative discoveries. We believe that when we connect and communicate with each other, a more incredible energy can emerge, unlocking our untapped potential.