Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho: "AI Textbook Data Regulation Law Increases Private Education Burden... Hinders Equal Education"

AI Technology Is Extremely Useful for Learning...
A Shared View in Academia and Education Circles
Emphasizes It as an Important Tool That Completely Transforms the Classroom

Regarding the National Assembly's resolution to downgrade the legal status of AI textbooks from textbooks to educational materials in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act amendment, Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, criticized it as a "law that violates the constitutional value of providing equal educational opportunities."

On the 14th, Minister Lee stated this on KBS Radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa,' emphasizing, "AI technology is extremely useful for learning, and there is a consensus in academia and education circles that this is the path we should take going forward."

Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education. Photo by Yonhap News

The amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which defines AI digital textbooks as educational materials, was passed by the National Assembly plenary session led by the opposition party on the 26th of last month and was sent to the government on the 10th. The ruling party has requested Acting President Choi Sang-mok to exercise the right to request reconsideration (veto power).

Minister Lee hinted at the side effects if AI digital textbooks are defined as educational materials rather than textbooks. He said, "When applied to all schools, the state negotiates prices, so prices can be lowered, but if they become educational materials, the burden of private education costs may increase," adding, "The protection of children's information required under the approval system for AI digital textbooks will no longer be guaranteed."

Minister Lee explained that teachers' capabilities are crucial for utilizing AI digital textbooks, so the budget has been separately allocated to greatly expand educational training. He said, "We are analyzing effectiveness through pilot schools and research schools, and the results are positive," adding, "If well prepared, it will be a great help in realizing individualized customized education."

In response to criticism that AI textbooks focus excessively on problem-solving and may strengthen rote learning, he countered that their function is primarily to support classroom instruction. He said, "AI digital textbooks were designed from the start as tools to support classroom teaching," and "Teachers will use AI digital textbooks to provide customized learning materials for students."

Regarding the difference between digital textbooks used by the Ministry of Education since 2018 and AI digital textbooks, he said, "AI digital textbooks are individualized and customized." For example, in English, there is a 1:1 AI tutor function that corrects students' pronunciation and allows conversation within the textbook. In mathematics, the AI digital textbook can assess an individual's math skills and guide them to solve problems suited to their level. Minister Lee said, "AI digital textbooks can automatically identify issues that arise in coding education, which teachers cannot monitor individually," emphasizing, "it is an important tool that completely changes the class."