In the AI Era, Current Status and Implications of Character Education for University Students: A Case Analysis of Character Education in 2 Universities

[Objective] The purpose of this study is to examine the current status and achievement of character education through the analysis of cases of character education at two universities, and then draw implications for character education that can be applied to university students in the AI era. [Contents] The subjects of case analysis of character education are University A and University B located in the metropolitan area. Korea's character education policy aims at an individual’s moral and social responsibility and holistic growth in accordance with the demands of the times. University A and University B each interpret traditional values in character education in a modern way or provide practice-oriented education, reflecting the core values of the Character Education Promotion Act. Both universities emphasize the importance of character education, and they operate character education courses in-depth as compulsory or elective. However, both universities reveal common limitations in preparing a new character education system that meets the needs of the AI era. [Conclusions] The future tasks left are to add regular courses and extra-curricula programs that reinforce AI ethics and digital literacy to our university's character curriculum, and to develop the ability for students to think critically and solve problems occurring in the digital society. These improvements will contribute to achieving the goal of fostering ethical leaders with core competencies in the AI era.