Florești students win 2nd place in South Korea with “Mixtape,” a youth-guiding app
Two teenagers from the "Miron Costin" Theoretical Lyceum, under the guidance of their teacher, secured second place worldwide in the International Mobile Applications Competition held in South Korea. This achievement clearly demonstrates that schools in the region are making significant strides in the digitalization of education.
The performance demonstrated that schools in various regions can transform into centers of excellence in the digital field, particularly through programs like Tekwill, which bring technology closer to students.
“This achievement was possible thanks to our hard work and, of course, the collaboration between the teams in Moldova and Korea,” stated Daniela Grosu.
The application developed, named “Mixtape,” impressed the jury with its social utility and its innovative use of artificial intelligence to help young people choose a professional path.
“Our first section consists of two parts. First, the user will interact with our AI character, Mike. In this section, he will provide his name, country, age, and interests, after which he will take a test consisting of approximately 36 questions. Based on his responses, we will understand his interests and recommend one of 12 possible career paths,” explained Daniela Grosu.
The students were involved in every stage of the application’s development, from the initial idea to the final presentation before an international jury.
“Mixtape is a mobile application designed to assist young people, especially in developing countries, who, after graduating from high school or middle school, do not continue their education or secure employment. This application uses artificial intelligence to create a personalized career path,” emphasized Tatiana Rotari in an interview with Radio Moldova.
The competition experience was memorable for the participants, as they had the opportunity to interact with peers from around the world.
“We also managed to meet teenagers from other countries. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Additionally, we explored a bit of the city we were in and tasted some traditional food. Overall, it was a valuable exchange of experiences,” said Daniela Grosu.
The application operates through a system of personalized questions and recommendations tailored to each user, as explained by teacher Tatiana Rotari: “By using this application, a young person is first asked about their preferences, including their location and career interests. The application then creates a customized path for them based on their current situation, guiding them on what they should learn and suggesting relevant programs.”
For the students, this achievement meant more than just winning a prize; it confirmed that they can compete on a global level. "The biggest difference is the integration of technologies in the education system, which we feel is somewhat lacking. However, I believe we are making progress, and in a few years, I hope to reach new potentials and elevate our level," they said.
A year later, their success continues to serve as a clear example that the digitalization of education in the Republic of Moldova is yielding positive results, preparing students to face future challenges.
Author: Veronica Scorpan
