Expanding AI into a Versatile Education Platform Anytime, Anywhere
Kang Jung-woo, Head of AI R&D Center at FIRSTHABIT, highlights a key distinction in AI development for education: “Many companies focus on AI that solves math problems well. But AI that helps students work through problems themselves supports deeper learning.”
As digital transformation advances, AI is reshaping education. Yet, most AI tools emphasize delivering correct answers rather than guiding students through the learning process or encouraging critical thinking. FIRSTHABIT (formerly Seomjae) introduces a fresh approach with AI-powered education solutions based on ontology technology. Their conversational AI platform provides a highly personalized learning experience, simulating the presence of a teacher alongside the student.
Ontology-Based AI: A New Approach to Learning
Ontology technology defines relationships between concepts, allowing AI to process information more like a human. Instead of relying solely on pattern recognition from big data, ontology-based AI uses logical reasoning grounded in clearly defined concepts and their connections. This method is gaining attention alongside solutions from data analytics leaders like Palantir.
FIRSTHABIT enhances ontology technology with proprietary innovations tailored for education. Unlike traditional AI that focuses on analyzing problem-solving data, their AI models the links between learning concepts. This lets the system map students’ cognitive progress and deliver personalized learning plans.
“Students often don’t know exactly what concepts they’ve mastered or missed,” says Kang. “Our ontology model maps how concepts relate, enabling AI to suggest prerequisite topics and customized content for students struggling with specific areas.”
CHALK 3.0: Personalized Tutoring Through AI
FIRSTHABIT is developing CHALK 3.0, an education platform leveraging their ontology-based AI, CHALK AI. This AI tutor goes beyond static answers, engaging students in real-time conversations through voice and text. It creates an immersive environment that adapts to each learner's pace, supporting self-directed study.
The platform integrates technologies like optical character recognition (OCR) to analyze factors such as response time and pace. This detailed analysis helps assess individual understanding, background knowledge, and learning style.
Kang explains, “The AI adjusts question difficulty and feedback dynamically based on each student’s cognitive state. It also delivers relevant visuals—images, videos, quizzes—at optimal moments to boost engagement and motivation.”
Global Reach and Device Integration
FIRSTHABIT’s work has earned global recognition, including an Innovation Award at CES 2025. The company is now focusing on expanding internationally with a flexible platform that creates curricula suited to the educational needs of different countries.
“Instead of merely adapting Korean content for other regions, our platform generates unique curricula that fit each country’s context,” Kang says. “It’s like uploading different content to YouTube without changing how the platform works.”
The company is currently refining algorithms for math and plans to extend the same approach to subjects like English and music. Expanding device compatibility is a priority, aiming to support tablets, smartphones, vehicle displays, and robotics. This ensures learners can continue studying seamlessly across devices.
“Our goal is for students to pick up exactly where they left off, no matter the device—similar to how streaming services let you switch from phone to TV without interruption,” Kang notes. “Smooth cross-device connectivity creates a more effective and accessible learning experience.”
Preserving Education’s Core in the AI Era
Kang emphasizes that despite automation, creative thinking remains uniquely human and is rooted in education. “AI may automate many tasks, but fostering creativity starts with how we learn,” he says. “Our mission is to change the perception that learning is dull by delivering personalized, innovative content worldwide.”
For educators interested in the evolving role of AI in teaching and learning, exploring platforms like FIRSTHABIT’s CHALK 3.0 offers insight into how AI can support, rather than replace, the human side of education.