AI Textbook Policy Changed from Mandatory to Voluntary... Gwangju Teachers' Union Welcomes Decision

City Education Office Issues Notice on Autonomous Selection of AI Textbooks
An Achievement Made by Citizens, Teachers, and Other Educational Stakeholders

The Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has expressed its support for the change in the AI digital textbook guidelines from 'mandatory' to 'optional' selection.

On the 7th, the KTU stated, "Until now, the Ministry of Education has unilaterally pushed for the full introduction of AI digital textbooks without any process of agreement or deliberation," adding, "Throughout this process, the city education office has consistently maintained a position of 'no opinion' regarding the implementation of this policy."

The KTU continued, "This recent guidance from the Ministry of Education, allowing schools to autonomously choose AI textbooks, marks the beginning of correcting the educational deterioration brought about by Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Joo-ho. It is the result of the voices of citizens, teachers, and educational stakeholders gathered in the public square," emphasizing, "Going forward, we must also rectify not only the hatred and discrimination spread by Yoon Suk-yeol and Lee Joo-ho, but also their misguided education policies."

The union further added, "We urge the Ministry of Education and the city education office to carefully listen to the opinions from the field and make prudent decisions regarding the introduction of AI textbooks and the implementation of related policies."

The KTU also pointed out, "According to this year's city education office budget, 16.5 billion won has been allocated to support the use of AI textbooks. Now that it is an option rather than a requirement, there is room for these funds to be used elsewhere," and requested, "Please listen to the voices of educational stakeholders so that the budget is used according to the needs of the educational field."