190 Billion Won Invested This Year, Approximately 30,000 Units to Be Distributed
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] The Gyeongnam Office of Education held a public forum to hear the opinions of parents and teachers regarding the student smart device ‘iBook’ scheduled to be distributed this year.
About 120 people attended the forum held on the 30th at the main office’s Gonggam Hall, including parents, teachers, provincial assembly members, university professors, and smart device officers from other city and provincial education offices.
The attendees shared opinions on the purchase and distribution of student smart devices and discussed the necessity of smart devices, efficient management methods, and the establishment of a future education system.
Discussants gather at the public debate for the student smart device 'iBook' to be distributed by the Gyeongnam Office of Education in 2023. [Photo by Gyeongnam Office of Education]
According to the provincial office of education, the ‘iBook’ is an important infrastructure to establish a student-customized future education system promoted in connection with the big data and artificial intelligence (AI) platform ‘iTalkTalk’.
The quantity of devices to be distributed this year with a budget of 19 billion KRW includes 18,000 multifunction devices for the shortage in 3rd grade elementary school students, and 11,580 tablet PCs for the shortage in 1st to 2nd grade elementary students as well as replacements exceeding the service life.
The provincial office of education distributed 290,000 smart devices last year and plans to build a digital education environment by additionally distributing the shortage this year.
In February, the product selection committee meeting will select the specifications and standards of the iBook, and after signing the contract in the first half of the year, the devices will be distributed to schools around July to August for use in classroom lessons.
An official from the provincial office of education said, “The forum participants agreed on the direction that the iBook should expand the digital transformation of education beyond being a learning tool used in real-time remote classes,” adding, “There was also an expectation that the optimal future education environment will be created through the distribution of one smart device per student.”
Professor Im Wancheol of Gyeongsang National University, who delivered the keynote speech, emphasized, “We need to prepare new teaching and learning activities using continuously evolving digital technologies such as the metaverse and artificial intelligence.”
He also said, “It is necessary to establish plans for iTalkTalk and iBook that can provide positive influence at a global level beyond the local region.”
Gyeongnam Provincial Assembly member Jeong Gyuheon proposed ▲ improvement of wireless internet environment ▲ simplification of device models to minimize student inconvenience ▲ diversification of smart device rental methods ▲ establishment of a specialized smart device management center.
Parents requested performance enhancements to increase the utilization of existing smart devices, while teachers asked for support and management at the provincial office level, portability, expandability, and program compatibility.
Officers from the Busan and Seoul Offices of Education proposed smart device support and management plans based on field experience.
An official from the provincial office of education said, “We plan to reflect the policy suggestions and requests raised at the forum in future smart device purchase and management policies.”
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