Digital books in all South Korean Schools within the next four years
International technology leader South Korea is to invest over €1bn to move all students to digital books and tablet PCs by 2015.
The textbooks will contain the same text as is currently in use but will also have other multimedia access.
The computers will be free and the move is also expected to reduce the cost of ordinary textbooks inflicted on parents annually.
Moving towards a digitalised classroom has been tested out in some Irish schools but under the current economic climate, the cost could prove prohibitive.
“It will be up to schools to decide which digital textbooks to choose for students in what year in what subject,” said a ministry official, quoted in Korean newspaper The Chosunilbo.
“We don't expect the shift to digital textbooks to be difficult as students today are very accustomed to the digital environment.”
The Korean government is also moving towards online classes for certain subjects that would allow students who have missed classes to catch up.
- Independent.ie reporters
