This paper explores anonymous online learning as a tool to overcome specific teaching and learning issues within Korean post-secondary institutions. The chapter utilizes a survey of a small group of ESL students at a single Korean university to better understand student preferences and opinions about non-traditional learning options and opportunities in Korea. While many students in Korea have not been exposed to online learning, the students surveyed expressed interest in learning online and they were especially interested in collaborative learning opportunities. As more online classes and online learning opportunities start to become available in South Korea, this study explores anonymous online learning as an effective tool to overcome some significant and distinct teaching and learning challenges at Korean post-secondary institutions. The anonymous online learning suggestions and approaches in the paper can be implemented within fully online courses and blended classes but they can also be used as stand-alone online components of traditional face to face and ESL courses.
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South Korea has a rich and deep history. The country has strong early influences from China dating back to the Gojoseon Kingdom as late as 300 BC (Daehwan, 2003). During the Goryeo Dynasty, from 918 to 1392 AD, Buddhism was the dominant religion, but as the dynasty fell, Confucianism started to become more prominent and blended with previously dominant Buddhist beliefs eventually creating Neo-Confucianism (Daehwan, 2003; Koh, 2003). The succession of the Joseon dynasty, from 1392 to 1910 AD, saw the rise of King Sejong who favored Confucianism and helped place its roots in Korea through his focus on education and scholarships (Koh, 2003; Weidman & Park, 2000). The Gukjagam, the highest educational institution built during the Goryeo Dynasty, was enhanced, relocated to modern day Seoul, and renamed the Sungkyunkwan (Lee & Yi, 2002; Weidman & Park, 2000). The Sungkyunkwan became the most important center for training Confucian scholars who were also political and cultural leaders. King Sejong also introduced Hangul, Korea’s current language. With the introduction of Hangul, literacy in Korea rose and so did Confucian beliefs which ultimately shaped the language to include hierarchical language and placed importance on Confucian based relationships (Daehwan, 2003; Koh, 2003; Weidman & Park, 2000; Zhang, Lin Nonaka, & Beom, 2005).
The Confucian influence led to teacher centered classrooms that provide little room for students to participate in discussion with classmates or the teacher because of the relationships that are emphasized by Confucian teachings (Bang & Kim, 2016; Daehwan, 2003; Zhang, Lin Nonaka, & Beom, 2005). There is little praise given along with frequent scolding (Bang & Kim, 2016). This criticism of the students in conjunction with the hierarchical relationships built into the classroom through the language and social norms has caused students to abhor school (Bang & Kim, 2016; Joen & Kim, 2012; Yun, Kim, & Kim, 2009).