Over the past 20 months, the use of generative AI has led to a reevaluation of how educators approach curriculum design, assessment, and instructional support. Traditional textbooks are now being replaced by this innovative technology.
Starting this spring, Korean third, fourth, and seventh-grade classrooms will be the first to implement large-scale AI-powered textbooks. This marks a significant step in keeping the $10-billion textbook industry relevant in today’s digital age.
My introduction to technology in education began in 1993 when I was a sixth-grade social studies teacher. I was amazed by Encarta, an interactive encyclopedia CD-ROM that offered a wealth of information. Later, I was introduced to textbooks like Holt Social Studies: World History, which included multimedia content on a CD-ROM. These early experiences paved the way for the evolution of textbooks.
As infrastructure developed, ebooks became the next big innovation in education. My World 6 from Scholastic, introduced in 2004, was one of the first digital textbooks in my subject area. It featured multimedia content and interactive elements, enhancing the learning experience for students.
This year, a new era of textbook evolution has arrived. With the emergence of Large Language Models like ChatGPT and others, etextbooks can now be customized at a granular level, catering to individual student needs.
The Korean government’s initiative to introduce AI-powered textbooks in classrooms aims to create personalized learning environments for students. The goal is to empower students to take charge of their own growth through tailored education. Real-time data will be used to deliver personalized instruction to meet each student’s unique needs and interests.
While the AI textbooks will include formative assessments, the data collected will not be used for grading purposes. Instead, it will help diagnose students’ learning characteristics and provide personalized support. The rollout of these AI-powered textbooks will begin with select subjects and grade levels, expanding over the next few years.
In the U.S., initiatives are also underway to incorporate AI into education. Google allows college students to access free textbooks through OpenStax, while publishers like Pearson and McGraw Hill are integrating AI tools into their digital textbooks to enhance learning experiences.
As we embrace these advancements in education, AI-powered textbooks have the potential to revolutionize learning for students worldwide. Customizable delivery, tailored support, and interactive features offer a new way to engage students and help them succeed in their academic journey.