A bill that classifies digital textbooks utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) as educational materials rather than official textbooks has been approved by the National Assembly’s Legislative and Judiciary Committee. On the 17th, the Democratic Party of Korea independently passed an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act during a full committee meeting, defining AI textbooks as ‘educational materials’ instead of ‘textbooks’. The intention is to define them as educational materials initially so they can be gradually integrated into schools after social discussions. Unlike textbooks, which must be adopted by all schools, educational materials are optional references that can be used at the discretion of school principals.
The People Power Party opposed the amendment, arguing that AI digital textbooks should be recognized as official textbooks to ensure stable policy implementation, especially since the Ministry of Education plans to introduce digital textbooks in the educational field next year. On the other hand, the Democratic Party and other opposition parties pushed for the amendment’s passage, citing concerns including significant budget requirements for the creation and distribution of AI digital textbooks, potential personal information leaks, and decreases in literacy skills.
If the amendment is ultimately passed in the plenary session, the status of AI textbooks will be downgraded from official textbooks to educational materials.