Even with AI Textbooks Downgraded, Innovation in AI and Digital-Based Education Continues

Sharing Outcomes of AI Education Leading Teacher Training
at Daejeon on August 13-14

The Ministry of Education has organized an event to share exemplary practices and the latest information accumulated so far, in order to ensure the continued use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital-based education in schools. Although a recent legal amendment has downgraded the AI Digital Textbook (AIDT) from a "textbook" to an "educational resource," the Ministry appears committed to continuing AI and digital-based learning by collecting and sharing various methods of utilization.

On August 12, the Ministry of Education and the Korea Education and Research Information Service announced that they will host the "2025 AI and Digital-Based Education Innovation Conference" at the Daejeon Convention Center on August 13 and 14.

Held under the theme "Teachers: Creating Paths through Connection and Collaboration, Becoming a Forest," this event aims to share the current state of AI and digital-based education innovation and to provide hands-on experience with policy directions. Approximately 10,000 participants, including 8,000 "lead teachers" who have taken part in AI and digital-based education innovation training, as well as other interested educators, are expected to attend. The lead teachers will share the outcomes of their training and present more than 80 exemplary lesson cases designed using AI and digital technologies. An exhibition hall (booth) will also be set up, allowing participants to directly explore and experience edtech products that have undergone empirical testing. Among these, the edtech information and experience platform "Edzip" will be showcased, providing opportunities to explore information about edtech products and review user experiences.

There will also be 48 seminar sessions where teachers with expertise and experience in innovating lessons using AI and digital technologies will share their teaching strategies. These sessions will feature presentations on cases of lesson innovation utilizing digital technologies, such as the "AI and Digital Lesson Design Guide."

In conjunction with the conference, the "Digital Talent Development 100 Forum" will be held on August 13 under the theme "The Direction of Human-Centered Future Education in the Age of AI," and the "Digital Education Forum" will take place on August 14 under the theme "AI Utilization Strategies for Enhancing Teacher Initiative." In addition, at the "Lead School Workshop," lead teachers representing 1,486 digital-based student-customized education lead schools nationwide will gather to share their operational experiences.

Choi Eunok, Vice Minister of Education, stated, "For schools to become spaces that identify students' strengths and foster a growth mindset in the era of digital transformation, lesson innovation centered on teacher expertise is essential." She added, "The Ministry of Education will continue to provide policy support to strengthen teachers' expertise and capabilities."