Busan Office of Education Accelerates Preparation for Introducing AI Digital Textbooks

Infrastructure Development, Teacher Capacity Building, and Consensus Formation for On-Site Implementation

"Expected to Greatly Help Realize Deep Learning in the Field"

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Ha Yun-su) has begun full-scale preparations to ensure the smooth implementation of AI digital textbooks in the field, following the ‘AI Digital Textbook Review Results and Roadmap Adjustment Plan’ announced by the Ministry of Education on the 29th of last month.

The Ministry of Education announced last month that it intends to focus on leading changes in classrooms using AI digital textbooks for English, Mathematics, and Information subjects by 2025.

Korean language and Technology & Home Economics (Sil-gwa) subjects are excluded from the applicable subjects, and Social Studies and Science subjects are planned to be applied starting in 2027. Additionally, for the special education basic curriculum developed as national textbooks, Korean and Mathematics subjects will be developed for elementary, middle, and high school levels, while Practical English and Information and Communication Utilization subjects will also be excluded from the applicable subjects.

In connection with this, the Busan Office of Education is meticulously preparing infrastructure construction for the smooth introduction of AI digital textbooks in March next year, strengthening teacher capabilities for digital-based class innovation, fostering consensus, and providing education to prevent digital dysfunction.

First, to enable smooth operation of AI digital textbooks in schools, digital infrastructure at schools is being expanded. Since July this year, devices and networks at all schools have been inspected and improved, with work scheduled to be completed by February next year.

Furthermore, device distribution for 3rd-grade elementary students will be completed by December to establish a one-device-per-student environment for the grades adopting AI digital textbooks next year. In particular, to reduce the burden of infrastructure management on schools, digital tutors and tech centers will also be operated.

To strengthen teacher capabilities for digital-based class innovation, efforts have been focused on training instructors (538 people) and developing and distributing five types of remote job training content.

Teacher training has been operating since October for all elementary school teachers, middle school teachers in charge of English, Mathematics, and Information subjects, and other subject teachers. Additionally, through on-site consulting visits to schools, customized comprehensive solutions such as subject-specific digital tool utilization and student digital literacy education are being supported.

To listen to opinions from teachers, parents, and other field stakeholders and build consensus during the introduction of AI digital textbooks, related class briefings were held twice in May and October.

In particular, efforts are being made to prevent digital dysfunction by paying attention to concerns arising from the introduction of AI digital textbooks through the development and distribution of information and communication ethics materials and traveling information and communication ethics education performances.

Ha Yun-su, Superintendent of Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, said, “AI digital textbooks are an important tool to realize personalized learning for students and nurture creative future talents in the era of digital transformation. They will greatly help reduce private education costs, improve academic achievement, and enhance the competitiveness of public education.” He added, “Our office will take the lead in providing continuous and systematic support to ensure deep learning can be realized in classrooms.”

AI digital textbooks are designed to help students easily understand concepts and assist teachers in deeply understanding students’ learning status based on data.

Through this, personalized guidance and efficient learning support are expected to become possible. Additionally, by utilizing various digital contents, it is anticipated to aid in designing creative and proactive learning where students explore independently and engage in active discussions.

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.