Seoul Superintendent of Public Instruction Cho Hee-yeon made the D-beot project a top priority during her third term. It was prompted by the increased use of technology in public education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became necessary. (Image courtesy of Yonhap News)
SEOUL, Sept. 21 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is giving digital devices called “D-beots” to all first-year middle school students in Seoul to create a digital learning environment.
The name “D-beot” comes from combining the Korean words “beot,” which means friend, and “D,” which stands for digital. Essentially, D-beot refers to digital devices like tablet PCs that are given to students.
Seoul Superintendent of Public Instruction Cho Hee-yeon made the D-beot project a top priority during her third term. It was prompted by the increased use of technology in public education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote learning became necessary.
Last year, 89,642 D-beots were distributed to all incoming middle school students (currently in their second year of middle school) and their teachers. This distribution is seen as a necessary step, given that the Ministry of Education plans to introduce AI digital textbooks in 2025, and it’s part of the ongoing shift towards digital education.
Students can choose from five different D-beot models, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE and Apple’s iPad (9th generation). These devices will be used by students from their first year of middle school until they graduate.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education is giving digital devices called “D-beots” to all first-year middle school students in Seoul to create a digital learning environment. (Image courtesy of Yonhap News)
To ensure that these devices are used for educational purposes and to ease the burden on schools, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education plans to improve safety and management features.
This includes setting up a device management system, controlling access to game apps, blocking harmful apps and websites, and limiting the time and usage of the device while students are on the move.
In the coming month, the Department of Education (DOE) intends to install charging stations in all classrooms where D-beots are distributed. This way, students can leave their devices at school and use them as needed.
The goal is to prepare students for the future of education, including the use of digital textbooks. However, there are concerns about students being exposed to more games and harmful websites and the risk of addiction to these devices. Some also question whether the investment in these devices is justified by the educational benefits.
The parent of a middle school student in Seoul expressed concerns, saying, “In the past, we had a device with blocking features, but somehow my child managed to install game apps and watch YouTube videos.
The negative effects other than learning are much greater.” Another parent shared similar worries, stating, “My child still stays up late watching videos on their phone, and I’m concerned that giving them a high-tech device will make the situation worse.”
Last April, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education spent 60 billion won to distribute 72,270 D-beots to first-year students in all middle schools in Seoul, along with 17,811 devices for teachers.
An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education explained, “In the past, there have been cases of students hacking into devices to play games, so this year, we plan to strengthen our monitoring and visit schools where such cases occur.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
