South Korea Faces Backlash Over AI-Driven Digital Textbooks Initiative

The South Korean government’s ambitious plan to introduce AI-powered digital textbooks (AIDTs) has met with significant resistance from educators and civic groups nationwide, leaving the policy in jeopardy. 

Initially slated for rollout in March 2025 for select elementary, middle, and high school students, the initiative aimed to bolster digital competencies in math, English, and information technology. However, growing opposition underscores concerns over its implementation, cost, and educational impact.

On December 10, the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) declared its outright rejection of the policy during a press conference in Seoul, accusing the Yoon Suk Yeol administration of prioritizing political achievements over proven educational benefits.

The KTU pledged to block the adoption and use of AIDTs in schools, calling the project an “astronomical misuse of public funds.” 

Citing concerns such as over-reliance on digital devices, inadequate school infrastructure, and privacy risks, the union characterized the initiative as an untested experiment with potentially negative effects on students’ literacy and development.

“This is not about advancing education but undermining public schooling,” the union stated, tying its criticism to broader opposition against President Yoon’s education policies. 

The National Assembly has yet to finalize the textbooks’ legal status, and negotiations between the education ministry and developers over pricing remain stalled. 

The controversy reflects deeper divisions over the direction of South Korea’s education system, with skeptics questioning the trade-offs between innovation and foundational learning practices.

As the debate intensifies, the fate of the AIDT program hangs in the balance, with growing calls for a more measured, evidence-based approach to educational reform. 

Source : http://koreabizwire.com/south-korea-faces-backlash-over-ai-driven-digital-textbooks-initiative

Comprehension

When was the AI-powered digital textbook program planned to start in schools?
What subjects were the digital textbooks supposed to help students with?
Which group strongly opposes the use of AI-powered digital textbooks?
What reason does the teachers' union give for rejecting the policy?
What concerns do critics have about students using digital devices too much?
What is one risk mentioned related to using AI-powered textbooks in schools?
Has the National Assembly finalized the legal status of the digital textbooks yet?
What do skeptics question about South Korea’s education system?

Discussion

Would you prefer learning from digital textbooks or paper books? Why?
Do you think technology makes learning easier or harder? Why?
How do you feel about spending more time on digital devices for school?
What are some possible benefits of using AI-powered textbooks?
What problems could happen if students rely too much on technology for learning?
How can schools balance using technology and traditional teaching methods?
Do you think privacy is important when using digital tools in education? Why?
Should governments spend a lot of money on technology for schools? Why or why not?
Have you ever used a digital device to help with studying? What was it like?
What do you think schools should focus on to improve education?

Vocabulary

Ambitious - Having a strong desire to achieve something great.
Resistance - Refusing to accept or agree with something.
Competencies - Skills or abilities needed for a specific task.
Over-reliance - Depending too much on something or someone.
Infrastructure - Basic facilities and systems needed for something to work.
Privacy - The state of keeping personal information secret.
Foundational - Basic and important for something to work or grow.
Reform - Making changes to improve something.