Digital Content to Replace Printed Textbooks in Schools in South Korea

According to a revolutionary plan announced by the South Korean ministry of education, all textbooks used today in the country will be digitized. The goal is to get rid of printed materials by 2015.

The announcement opens a large market for companies developing tablet PCs, laptop and desktop computers and smartphones. The ministry is expected to spend $2.4 billion on acquiring the necessary devices and digitizing content.

The project will involve building a cloud computing network that will make it possible for students to access large collections of digital textbooks and upload their homework so it can be easily accessed using any device able to connect to the Internet.

In addition, the ministry's plan includes the launch of a larger number of online classes starting 2013. Thus, students who for different reasons are unable to attend school will be able to take part in virtual classes.

All primary school textbooks are expected to be fully digitized by 2014 and by 2015 all other textbooks will be digitized. Besides, by 2015 all schools in the country will have wireless Internet access points and families with low income will benefit from free tablet PCs donated by the South Korean government, reports The Jakarta Globe.

According to the latest OECD report into digital literacy, the number one spot is occupied by Korean teenagers, which means that they are the most prepared in terms of computer and Internet knowledge. It was also reported that during the digital vs. printing reading tests Korean teens showed better results while reading digital content.