The Korea Times : Digital Textbook to Debut Next Year

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development said Wednesday that it will develop this new form of medium that provides the multi-functionality of textbook, workbook, exercise book and dictionary.

The digital textbook is a study program, which operates via digital media, such as a personal computer, and through wire or wireless networks. It can go beyond conventional paper textbooks by using such features as video clips, animation and virtual reality.

``In this rapidly changing society and massive flood of information, the government needs to revise textbook contents as the occasion demands. But it is impossible to revise paper textbooks on every occasion, so we have decided to develop the digital textbook,’’ a ministry official said.

``When the digital textbook comes into use, sick children who cannot attend school will be able to study and communicate with teachers through their computers. It will also help students in low-income brackets or in rural areas have quality study materials,’’ the official said.

The digital textbook contents will be updated whenever needed. The textbook will also allow network connection to databases of organizations in society, enabling students to use much more information than just textbooks.

The government tried the system on 300 students in four elementary schools last year on an experimental basis, and students, especially those whose school records were in the middle or lower, showed great improvement.

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