South Korea’s AI-Powered Digital Textbooks: Early Adoption and Concerns
Introduction
ABOUT 30% of elementary schools in South Korea have adopted artificial intelligence (AI) powered digital textbooks in their first year, with lower usage in middle and high schools.
AI Textbook Availability and Expansion Plans
The AI textbooks, introduced in March this year, are available for English, mathematics, and computer informatics in some elementary, middle, and high school grades, and schools can choose whether to use them.
Government’s Expansion Plans
The government plans to expand AI textbooks to most subjects by 2028, excluding art, music, physical education, and ethics, The Korea Herald reported.
Current Adoption Rates
According to Education Ministry data, 1,843 (29.1%) of 6,339 elementary schools use AI textbooks for third-grade English, while 1,813 (28.6%) use them for mathematics, with similar adoption rates for fourth grade.
For middle schools, 26.9% use AI textbooks for first-year English and 26.1% for mathematics, while in high schools, the rates are 24.4% for English and 23.8% for mathematics, with 3,870 (32.4%) of 11,932 schools using them for at least one subject.
Concerns and Readiness
However, despite the rollout, concerns remain about infrastructure and teacher readiness.
A December 17 survey by the Korean Teachers & Educational Worker’s Union shows that 98.5% of 2,626 teachers felt unprepared for the transition.
Regional Variations
Adoption rates also vary by region, with 98% of schools in Daegu using AI textbooks for at least one subject, compared to 8% in Sejong, 9% in South Jeolla, 12% in Gwangju, 45% in North Gyeongsang, and 10% in South Gyeongsang.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while South Korea’s AI-powered digital textbooks have shown promising adoption rates, concerns remain regarding infrastructure and teacher readiness. As the government plans to expand AI textbooks to most subjects by 2028, it is crucial to address these concerns to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of AI-powered education.
FAQs
Q: What subjects are currently available for AI-powered digital textbooks in South Korea?
A: English, mathematics, and computer informatics are currently available for some elementary, middle, and high school grades.
Q: What is the government’s plan for expanding AI-powered digital textbooks?
A: The government plans to expand AI textbooks to most subjects by 2028, excluding art, music, physical education, and ethics.
Q: What is the current adoption rate of AI-powered digital textbooks in South Korea?
A: According to Education Ministry data, approximately 30% of elementary schools, 26.9% of middle schools, and 24.4% of high schools have adopted AI-powered digital textbooks.