▪ While Korean public education is universally accessible, it hasn’t fully met parents’ and students’ expectations for high-quality education, leading to substantial spending on private tutoring.
▪ As dependence on private education in primary and secondary levels increases, notable differences are seen across various income groups and regions, potentially widening educational disparities.
▪ The traditional public education model, geared towards the average student, has contributed to the growth of private tutoring and increased educational inequalities.
▪ The advent of interactive AI technologies promises a transformation in education, catering to a variety of learning needs, including the pursuit of excellence currently underserved in public education.
▪ It’s vital for public education to spearhead the shift towards an AI-driven education paradigm and enhance its quality to incorporate aspects traditionally sought in private education.
▪ The effectiveness of AI-driven innovation in public education largely hinges on the digital proficiency of teachers in primary and secondary schools. Therefore, it’s crucial to support teachers in developing AI-based teaching skills, enabling them to facilitate personalized learning, foster creativity, and conduct interactive lessons.
▪ To ensure the effective implementation of AI-based digital education, there is a need to focus on cultivating a group of teachers who can serve as digital transformation leaders within their schools.
▪ Implementing AI-based educational approaches in after-school programs is crucial for addressing educational inequalities among students from underprivileged regions and low-income families, and for fulfilling the needs currently met by private education.
▪ To address regional educational disparities and reform public education nationally, securing funding through special subsidies is essential.
▪ Representative Kim Jin-pyo introduced a bill to the National Assembly on August 31, 2023, proposing amendments to the Local Education Subsidy Act to fund digital reforms in public education, which is now being reviewed by a competent committee.