Jungnang-gu Launches After-School 'Dream Media Classroom' Program

The Jungnang Yangwon Media Center in Jungnang-gu is launching a media experience program called "Dream Media Classroom" for first- through third-grade elementary school students enrolled in after-school and care programs in the district.

The project brings together the Dongbu Office of Education, local schools and the media center to connect school care services with public media education. It was designed to give children hands-on experience creating media content and developing a sound understanding of media in an environment where digital consumption has become part of daily life.

To fund the initiative, the Jungnang Yangwon Media Center worked with the Dongbu Office of Education to secure 12 million won (approximately $7,860) in transfers from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education to local governments. The budget will cover program operations, educational content development and student transportation support.

The program runs from June through September for a total of 10 sessions. Participating students will visit the Jungnang Yangwon Media Center to take part in a range of media production and hands-on activities.

The curriculum features three programs: "Smart AI Explorers," which introduces AI concepts in an accessible and engaging way and includes a chroma key filming experience; "Tok-Tok Character Emoticons," where students use digital drawing tools to create animated emoticons; and "Heart-Pounding Radio DJ," in which students operate radio broadcasting equipment and host their own live segments. A defining feature of the program is that students do not simply watch content — they create, share and take ownership of their own work.

To ensure students can participate safely, the district has put in place a safety management system that includes transportation between schools and the center, accompanying teachers, attendance checks and an emergency contact network.

"The ability to understand and use media responsibly is critically important for children growing up in a digital environment," Jungnang-gu District Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi said. "We will continue to expand educational opportunities that bring schools and the community together to nurture the digital competencies and creativity of children and young people."