The Ministry of Education and Training has just announced a draft Circular promulgating regulations on standards, conversion processes, and the organisation of appraisal of e-textbooks compiled according to the general education programme for public consultation.
The draft Circular consists of five Chapters and 17 Articles, regulating its scope and subjects of application; principles of compiling e-textbooks; standards of e-textbooks; the process of converting printed textbooks into e-textbooks; the organisation and operation of the national council for appraisal of e-textbooks; documents, procedures, and requirements for requesting appraisal, approval, and permission to use electronic textbooks.
According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the compilation of electronic textbooks is expected to contribute to creating a rich source of digital learning materials associated with the specific conditions of Viet Nam and aligned with advanced educational trends worldwide, ensuring the best interests of learners, while ensuring the goal of promoting national digital transformation and developing digital citizens.
Regarding electronic textbook standards, the draft Circular stipulates that the prerequisite for electronic textbooks is to fully meet current textbook standards.
The content of electronic textbooks must be ensured to be consistent with the content of printed textbooks. The digital format of electronic textbooks must comply with current technical standards and regulations, supporting multiple platforms (computers, phones, e-readers), and fully meeting current regulations on copyright, intellectual property rights, security standards, and deposit standards.
The draft Circular stipulates that the interface of electronic textbooks must be optimally displayed on different devices, suitable for the health and vision of students at all levels in terms of font, font size, colour, image effects, and sound.
The draft also stipulates that advertisements, business content, shopping suggestions, and external introductions must not be inserted into electronic textbooks.
