The Ministry of Education has decided to leave the full implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) digital textbooks to the autonomous choice of individual schools for one year, which was initially planned to begin this year. AI textbooks are expected to be used in elementary, middle, and high schools through programs such as the Neulbom Program and after-school programs.
On the 10th, the Ministry of Education announced the key details of its major work plan for 2025 at the Government Seoul Office.
The major work plan announced by the government that day focuses on five areas: ▲ equal starting line ▲ reducing private education and entrance exam burdens ▲ strengthening tailored support ▲ addressing regional disparities ▲ supporting youth growth.
Key among these is the utilization of AI textbooks. The Ministry of Education plans to implement personalized education through the use of AI textbooks.
Specifically, students from grade 1 to grade 2 will undergo basic academic assessment-correction systems to promote level-based learning linked to AI textbooks based on the initial assessment of basic academic achievement at the beginning of the academic year.
For the designated education years of grades 3 and 1, academic achievement self-assessments and AI textbook learning analyses will be used for a more detailed diagnosis of individual student levels. AI textbooks will be used for supplemental learning in the elective Neulbom Program for grade 3 students, and a basic academic support program linked to AI textbooks will also be operated in after-school programs for middle school students.
The government plans to use AI textbooks for student analysis and guidance to ensure minimum achievement standards for subjects in the high school credit system, as well as providing leveled content.
Initially, the government planned to mandate the introduction of AI textbooks for English, mathematics, and information subjects for grades 3-4, 1, and 1 starting this year. However, the National Assembly passed a bill, led by the opposition party, designating AI textbooks as educational materials rather than textbooks, which resulted in their exclusion from this work plan.
A representative from the Ministry of Education noted, "This year, we plan to allow all schools wishing to use them to do so based on school autonomy."
In addition, the high school credit system will be fully implemented this year. The high school grading system will be restructured from a 9-point system to a 5-point system. The Ministry of Education stated that they will guide students to design their studies in connection with their career paths and aptitudes through the high school credit system, while also simplifying the grading system to reduce excessive competition among students starting from grade 1.
In addition, discussions will be held with relevant agencies for phased free education and childcare for children aged 3 to 5. The support target for the Neulbom School will be expanded from the existing first graders to second graders.
The government plans to address the legislative conflicts that have continued since last year and lay the groundwork for supporting medical school operations once medical students return. This year, it will install and operate the 'Medical Education Support Officer' while comprehensively supporting improvements in medical education, academic affairs, and infrastructure, aiming to help medical students grow into outstanding healthcare professionals.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho said, "We will strive to make education a ladder of opportunities and do our best to stabilize the lives of citizens," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that students, teachers, and parents can feel a more positive change in the education field."