Japan Prepares to Adopt a Hybrid Print and Digital Textbook Model
Japan's Ministry of Education plans to make a hybrid textbook model combining printed and digital materials the standard in primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools from the 2030 fiscal year. Under the proposed approach, printed materials will remain the primary learning resource, while digital content will play a supporting role in education.
Under amendments to Japan's School Education Act, adopted in June, three textbook formats will be permitted in schools from the 2030 fiscal year: print-only, fully digital and hybrid print-digital textbooks. However, draft guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Education propose adopting the hybrid model as the standard across all year groups and subjects.
According to the draft, textbooks for pupils in Year 4 of primary school and below will consist mainly of printed materials, with more limited use of digital content. Fully digital textbooks are not expected to be permitted for this age group.
For pupils in Year 5 and above, printed materials will also remain the primary resource, while fully digital textbooks are proposed to be restricted to certain subjects, such as English, music and art.
The ministry's draft guidelines will be reviewed by a panel of experts. Following a public consultation, the ministry aims to finalise the guidelines by the end of the year.