Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has expressed support for proposed amendments to a 2015 ordinance concerning general education. These amendments, submitted by the Education Ministry, 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 the 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 aid in the learning process, supporting student research and creative endeavors, and enhancing feedback mechanisms between educators and students. However, she stressed that technology should complement, rather than replace, cognitive development, emphasizing that AI should function as a knowledge guide, not a substitute. Furthermore, the Ombudsman highlighted the necessity for students to cultivate critical thinking, fact-checking skills, the ability to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and ethical responsibility when using AI.
She also described the evolving role of the teacher as a mentor and guide within the digital sphere, rather than solely a source of knowledge. While acknowledging the draft’s alignment with UNESCO guidelines and EU regulations concerning AI in education, Delcheva outlined several risks. These include exacerbating the digital divide, the requirement for comprehensive teacher training, safeguarding student data, mitigating plagiarism risks, and ensuring adequate technical infrastructure.
Consequently, Delcheva recommended that the Ministry of Education establish a catalog of certified and safe AI tools for schools, introduce stricter rules for child protection and human oversight, and integrate mental health and social-emotional learning programs into the educational framework.
Topics: #education #proposed #delcheva
