Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award
Adjunct Professor | Soongsil University | South Korea
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae is a distinguished academic and professional who has dedicated her career to advancing early childhood education and digital learning innovation. She currently serves as a professor at Soongsil University and as an adjunct professor at Myongji University, bringing together her academic expertise and extensive professional practice. With decades of leadership in education and care institutions, she has bridged traditional child development practices with cutting-edge technologies such as the metaverse and digital learning tools. Her contributions highlight a lifelong commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and educational excellence across generations.
Publication Profile
Education Background
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae pursued her doctoral studies with a focus on early childhood education and emerging educational technologies. Her doctoral thesis explored the impact of metaverse-based virtual experiential play education on children’s creativity and playability, reflecting her passion for integrating digital tools into learning environments. Through her advanced research and continued academic pursuits, she has become an influential figure in both early childhood studies and smart education approaches. Her educational journey has enabled her to combine traditional pedagogy with technological innovations, establishing her as a forward-thinking leader in education research and practice.
Professional Experience
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has an extensive professional background that includes serving as a kindergarten director for more than three decades, where she gained practical insights into early childhood development and teaching methodologies. She has also led significant organizations, serving as the president of the Korea Smart Future Education Association and as chairman of the Next Generation Research and Development Technology Policy Institute. In addition, she assumed the role of CEO at Angel Silver Nursing Home, contributing to elder care and education. Her academic roles at Myongji University and Soongsil University further demonstrate her dedication to combining practice with academic excellence.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has received prestigious recognitions that highlight her contributions to education and research. She was honored with the Seoul Metropolitan Government Chairperson Award, a testament to her impactful work in shaping educational policies and practices. Additionally, she received the National Assembly Excellence Teacher Award from the Korean government, which underscores her dedication to teaching and mentorship. These awards reflect her outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to creating educational systems that integrate both traditional values and modern digital approaches, establishing her as a highly respected and influential figure in the academic and professional community.
Research Focus
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae’s research emphasizes the integration of technology into education, with a particular focus on early childhood learning, digital education, and metaverse applications. Her innovative work has explored how experiential play within virtual environments can enhance creativity and playability among children. She has also been involved in developing smart instructor certifications tailored for children, youth, and the elderly, reflecting her holistic approach to lifelong learning. Through international collaborations, journal publications, and the development of new qualification courses, she continues to expand the boundaries of educational research by aligning pedagogy with technological advancements.
Publications Notes
Title: Study on the Impact of Metaverse-based Virtual Experiential Play Education on Children’s Creativity and Playability
Published Year: 2023
Citation: 12
Title: Development of Smart Education Model for Early Childhood Learning Environments
Published Year: 2022
Citation: 9
Title: Digital Learning Tools and Their Effectiveness in Enhancing Children’s Play-based Education
Published Year: 2021
Citation: 6
Title: Metaverse as a Platform for Early Childhood Digital Learning and Creativity Development
Published Year: 2020
Citation: 8
Title: Innovative Smart Instructor Certification Framework for Lifelong Education
Published Year: 2019
Citation: 5
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Hoikyoung Bae has built a remarkable career that unites professional practice, academic research, and innovative leadership in education. Her lifelong dedication to advancing early childhood education, combined with her vision for integrating digital tools like the metaverse, has positioned her as a pioneer in the field of smart education. With significant contributions through her teaching, leadership roles, publications, and educational certifications, she continues to inspire innovation and creativity in learning. Her achievements and recognitions clearly demonstrate her suitability for prestigious honors such as the Best Researcher Award.