AI Textbooks: Revolutionizing Education or Risking Our Kids’ Future?

Are we trading our children's cognitive development for the convenience of AI-powered education?

South Korea’s ambitious plan to introduce AI-powered digital textbooks into schools has sparked a fierce debate among parents and educators. The government argues that these AI tools are crucial for modernizing the education system, moving away from rote memorization toward a more personalized learning experience.

By 2028, AI textbooks will be used in all subjects except music, art, physical education, and ethics, offering customized content based on each student’s learning pace. This transition is long overdue and I think more countries should follow South Korea's example.

However, critics, including over 50,000 concerned parents, worry about the potential negative impacts on children's brain development and the risk of misinformation. This to me, seems like the math teachers going on strike in the 1970s to ban the calculator.

Despite these concerns, fortunately, a significant portion of teachers supports the initiative, seeing it as a way to engage students more effectively. The real question remains: Is the rapid adoption of AI in education a leap forward, or are we rushing into a future where technology overshadows the well-being of our children?

Read the full article on Financial Times.

----