Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has endorsed draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance concerning general education, submitted by the Education Ministry. These amendments propose the official integration of artificial intelligence and digital literacy into the curriculum for students in grades three through twelve. In a statement addressed to the caretaker Education Minister, Sergey Ignatov, Delcheva stated that the proposed changes represent a timely and necessary modernization effort for Bulgarian education amidst rapid technological advancements across all societal sectors.
Delcheva noted that artificial intelligence holds potential as a valuable assistant in learning, student research, and creative endeavors, and as a tool to improve the educational environment and teacher-student feedback. However, she emphasized that technology should augment, rather than replace, the cognitive process, asserting that AI must function as a guide to knowledge, not a substitute for it. Furthermore, the Ombudsman highlighted the necessity for students to develop critical thinking, fact-checking skills, the capacity to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and ethical responsibility in AI use.
She also defined an evolving role for teachers, positioning them as mentors and navigators within the digital sphere, beyond merely being sources of knowledge. Delcheva pointed out several risks accompanying the reform, including the potential widening of the digital divide between regions, the need for robust teacher training, safeguarding student data, mitigating plagiarism risks, establishing assessment mechanisms for new competencies, and ensuring adequate technical infrastructure. The Ombudsman noted the draft’s alignment with UNESCO guidelines and EU regulations concerning AI in education.
She recommended that the Ministry of Education establish a list of certified AI tools for schools and introduce rules ensuring child protection, transparency, and human oversight. Additionally, Delcheva stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health in schools, including social and emotional learning programs.
Topics: #education #proposed #delcheva
