Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has voiced support for draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance on general education, which the Education Ministry tabled. The amendments aim to formally integrate artificial intelligence and digital literacy into the curriculum for students from the third through twelfth grades. In a statement addressed to the caretaker Education Minister, Sergey Ignatov, Delcheva stated that these proposed changes represent a timely and necessary modernization of Bulgarian education amid rapid technological advancements.
Delcheva noted that artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable resource for student research, creative work, and modernizing the educational environment, thereby improving feedback mechanisms between teachers and students. However, she emphasized that technology should function as a support mechanism for, rather than a replacement for, cognitive processes. According to the Ombudsman, successful integration requires AI to act as a guide to knowledge, not a substitute.
Furthermore, Delcheva highlighted the necessity for students to develop critical thinking, fact-checking skills, the ability to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and ethical responsibility regarding AI use. She also pointed to the evolving role of the teacher as a mentor and navigator within the digital space, beyond merely being a source of knowledge. The Ombudsman outlined several risks associated with implementing the reform, including widening the digital divide between regions, the need for robust teacher training, safeguarding student data, and mitigating plagiarism risks.
Delcheva recommended that the Ministry of Education consider establishing a registry of certified and safe AI tools for schools and introducing stricter guidelines for child protection and human oversight. She also stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health in schools to support students in the changing digital environment.
Topics: #education #proposed #delcheva
