Among 146 Blacklist Applications, 76 Books Passed
Schools Decide Adoption After Reviewing Exhibition Copies
Parents Still Concerned About "Digital Overexposure"
May Become 'Educational Materials' Through Legal Amendments
The AI digital textbooks set to be introduced in schools starting in 2025 have been unveiled. A total of 76 AI digital textbooks from 12 applicants have passed the final certification, and physical copies will be available for viewing next month.
On the 29th, the Ministry of Education published the list of 76 AI digital textbooks that passed certification in the official gazette. This is the final approved list after the certification review began in September and the appeal review was completed this month. Once the display copies are distributed to each school on the 2nd of next month, schools will decide whether to adopt them, and the textbooks will be introduced in the field starting from the first semester of next year.
The target groups for the AI digital textbook introduction are 3rd and 4th graders in elementary school, 1st graders in middle school, and 1st graders in high school next year. According to the Ministry of Education, the AI digital textbooks can act as a "personal teacher" by providing customized content based on analysis tailored to each student's ability and level.
However, controversies surrounding the AI digital textbooks continue. One concern is that the physical copies were only revealed three months before the introduction, leaving teachers insufficient time to familiarize themselves with how to use them. Although training sessions were held for teachers this year, they used prototypes rather than the actual textbooks.
Parents worry about digital overexposure and bypassing harmful site restrictions. Although device management programs (MDM) were installed on existing digital learning devices to block such issues, various bypass methods like so-called "jailbreaking" continue to emerge.
Adjustments to the subjects for introduction are also expected. Korean language and technology & home economics subjects may be excluded from the AI digital textbook introduction. Initially, the plan was to introduce AI digital textbooks in English, Math, Information, and Korean (special education) subjects next year, then expand to Korean, Social Studies, Science, and Technology & Home Economics in 2026. However, the Council of Superintendents of Education expressed concerns about declining literacy and suggested excluding or postponing the application of AI digital textbooks in Korean and Technology & Home Economics subjects. A Ministry of Education official stated, "It is true that we are currently reviewing (changes to the introduction schedule), but nothing has been finalized yet."
Amid these circumstances, a bill defining AI digital textbooks as "educational materials" passed the National Assembly's Education Committee. Unlike "textbooks," which are mandated for compulsory use in all schools, being classified as educational materials would allow school principals to choose whether to use them autonomously. The opposition party, which passed the bill alone, argues that social discussions on AI digital textbooks have been insufficient and calls for cautious introduction.
Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, emphasized, "Educational materials are not subject to free compulsory education under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, so the burden could be passed on to students, and differences in usage depending on regional and school educational conditions could cause educational and learning gaps." However, if the opposition party, which holds the majority, pushes the bill through the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee and plenary session, it seems difficult to block its passage.
Meanwhile, the AI digital textbooks that passed certification by school level include 26 for elementary, 16 for middle, and 34 for high school. In elementary English, the following publishers passed the review: ▲Cheonjae Education ▲Donga Publishing ▲Icecream Media ▲Cheonjae Textbook ▲YBM. For elementary Math, ▲YBM and ▲Cheonjae Textbook passed.
For middle school Math, ▲Visang Education ▲Gyohaksa ▲Cheonjae Textbook were selected. In English, seven publishers passed certification: ▲Visang Education ▲NE Neungyule ▲Jihaksa ▲MiraeN ▲Donga Publishing ▲Cheonjae Textbook ▲YBM.
For high school common English, seven publishers passed: ▲Visang Education ▲Jihaksa ▲MiraeN ▲Donga Publishing ▲NE Neungyule ▲Cheonjae Textbook ▲YBM. For common Math, ▲Visang Education ▲YBM ▲Classting ▲Jihaksa ▲Cheonjae Textbook passed the certification review.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
