Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has expressed support for draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance concerning general education, which were submitted by the Education Ministry. The amendments propose the official integration of 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 effort for Bulgarian education amidst rapid technological advancements across society.
Delcheva believes that artificial intelligence can serve as a beneficial resource for student research, creative work, and enhancing the educational environment through improved feedback mechanisms between teachers and students. However, she stressed that technology should supplement, rather than replace, the cognitive process, emphasizing that AI must function as a guide to knowledge, not a substitute. Furthermore, the Ombudsman highlighted the necessity for students to develop critical thinking, fact-checking abilities, the capacity to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and ethical responsibility when using AI.
She noted the evolving role of the teacher, who must now act as both a knowledge source and a mentor within the digital sphere. Delcheva pointed out several risks associated with implementing the reform, including the potential widening of the digital divide between regions, the need for robust teacher training, data privacy concerns, and the risk of over-reliance on technology. The Ombudsman suggested that the Ministry of Education consider establishing a catalog of certified, safe AI tools for schools and introducing rules to ensure child protection and human oversight.
Finally, she recommended a comprehensive approach to mental health in schools, including social and emotional learning programs.
Topics: #education #proposed #delcheva
