This Sept. 23, 2024, file photo shows an AI-based digital textbook on display at an education fair in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean Ministry of Education has announced adjustments to its timeline for introducing AI-powered digital textbooks, originally set for widespread implementation by 2028.
The decision, unveiled on November 29, reflects growing concerns from educators about the suitability of such technology for certain subjects and the challenges of rapid adoption.
Under the revised roadmap, the introduction of AI digital textbooks for social studies and science in elementary and middle schools will be delayed by one year, from 2026 to 2027.
Subjects like Korean language and practical arts have been removed from the initial rollout entirely, due to privacy concerns and the unique demands of these courses.
Meanwhile, the adoption for English, mathematics, and computer science for third and fourth graders, seventh graders, and tenth graders will proceed as scheduled in 2025.
On September 23, visitors explored various booths at the 2024 Edutech Korea Fair held at Coex in Gangnam District, Seoul. (Yonhap)
The Ministry cited feedback from teachers and the Nationwide Superintendents’ Association as a major factor in the delay, noting the need for tailored learning tools that better align with the pedagogical demands of individual subjects.
For instance, unlike sequential subjects such as math and English, social studies and science require context-specific resources and customized content delivery, which are still under development.
Despite the adjustments, critics warn that the implementation challenges remain steep. With only three months until the start of the 2025 academic year, the Ministry aims to train 150,000 teachers during the winter break.
However, disparities in digital proficiency among educators and the limited time frame to familiarize them with the final versions of the textbooks raise questions about classroom readiness.
The rollout has also sparked controversy over data security and digital overexposure. Parents have expressed skepticism about whether the AI devices’ safeguards against harmful media will be effective.
Additionally, a recent legislative change by the National Assembly, which reclassified AI digital textbooks as supplementary educational materials rather than core textbooks, complicates their mandatory use in schools.
The Ministry remains committed to advancing the initiative, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI textbooks in modernizing classrooms and enhancing public education.
However, it faces opposition from advocacy groups. A coalition of 126 education and civic organizations held a press conference demanding a complete reconsideration of the policy, citing potential public harm.
In contrast, the Korean Federation of Teachers’ Associations welcomed the pace adjustment, calling it a “balanced approach” to address infrastructure and management issues.
As South Korea navigates this ambitious transition to AI-driven education, balancing innovation with practicality will remain a crucial challenge.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
