Educators and parents warned that the recently implemented AI textbook project was rushed and ill-considered.
South Korea’s National Assembly has just removed AI-powered digital textbooks from its official list of teaching materials.
Their introduction had been one of former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s flagship education reforms, with more than 533 billion won (£305 million) allocated to the project that would eventually see a mandatory rollout to all schools.
AI textbook trials
The AI textbooks were piloted earlier this year in English, maths and computer science classes in primary, middle and high schools to offer students more personalised instruction.
However, educators and parents protested, saying the project was rushed and ill-prepared. In response, the government switched to a voluntary participation model instead of the mandatory rollout, which saw around 30% of schools adopt the textbooks.
Publishing industry also faces disruption
This latest development means schools will lose funding for AI textbook subscriptions – and the publishing industry, which invested an estimated 800 billion won (£428 million) developing the technology, also faces disruption and job losses. Some publishing companies have already begun legal action over the policy reversal and poor uptake of the books.
The current administration has not yet presented its plans to fully remove the AI textbooks but is suspending the project and will instead work with schools and education offices to ensure the least amount of disruption ahead of the new school year.
