Development of a Software Education Program Using Autonomous Flying Drones

To cultivate the competencies needed in the AI-driven Fourth Industrial Revolution, a software education program utilizing autonomous flying drones was developed. This program consists of an 11-session curriculum covering topics such as understanding the world of drones and the principles of flight, hands-on programming with drones, applications of AI technology, and the study of regulations and ethical guidelines related to drone operation. The program is designed to enhance students' software capabilities and creative problem-solving skills through project-based block (or text) coding for autonomous flight drones, while promoting a balanced understanding of technology and ethics. As a software education program that is both practical and effective for secondary education, it was shown to increase students' engagement and concentration while improving their understanding of software and AI. To validate the educational effectiveness of the program, we first conducted a review by educational experts, who assessed the program’s teaching methods, compatibility with secondary education software(information) curriculum, and content structure. It received a positive evaluation as appropriate and applicable for secondary education courses. A post-program survey with students also confirmed a satisfaction rate of over 90%, verifying the program's educational impact.