The ministry of education in South Korea has recently taken a decision to completely withdraw printed textbooks from schools latest by 2015. The Korean government got convinced with the idea of this “Smart Education” scheme after the result of the OECD report aimed at testing the computer skills of 15 year olds. According, to the latest report, Korean students topped the digital literacy test among 19 countries.
The plan to make a digital shift in the field of education will witness various phases. The ministry aims to introduce online classes from 2013 to make it possible for students to study virtually from home in case they are sick or not able to attend classes for any other reason. Starting from 2014 the textbooks will start getting digitalized, primary school textbooks being first in the line, mid and high school textbooks will follow.
However, to play safe, the ministry has taken a wise decision to use both the digital and printed textbooks during the transition period. And finally by 2015 all the schools are expected to have wireless internet connection. The whole idea not only looks smarter but, also a lot more greener. At present, the South Korean ministry hasn’t announced any name of the manufacturer to trade the digital devices like PC’s laptops and smart-phones.
That said, the IT sector in The South Korea can certainly, expect a significant growth, as the education ministry made it public to spend US$ 2.4 billion to buy suitable devices. It even promised to provide free devices to students who belong to low income group families. Just imagine the students going to school with a Hi-tech computing device without carrying the load of heavy bags. Isn’t it high time for all the countries to follow this green scheme?
Via: Gizmag
