By Kim Bo-eun
Elementary and middles schools will use “smart textbooks” starting in 2018, according to the Ministry of Education, Sunday.
The ministry is collecting opinions on regulations which will introduce the use of digital learning material such as tablets, laptops and online content at all schools. Currently, around 30 percent of schools are taking part in a pilot program.
The ministry decided to implement the system in 2018 considering the time needed to develop learning content according to the curriculum revised in 2015.
In the current pilot program, social studies and science are available on digital textbooks, but math and English will be added in the years to come.
Meanwhile, paper textbooks will not disappear ― the ministry will provide autonomy to the schools on using both mediums.
The introduction of smart learning aids has been delayed from the original plan amid controversy surrounding its side effects, such as deteriorating eyesight and developing addiction to the Internet and online games.
However, based on multiple studies, the ministry has concluded that these are groundless.