Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has endorsed draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance governing general education, which aim to formally incorporate artificial intelligence and digital literacy into the curriculum for students in grades three through twelve. In a statement addressed to the caretaker Education Minister, Delcheva stated that these proposed changes represent a timely and necessary modernization effort for Bulgarian education amid rapid technological advancements. According to Delcheva, AI holds significant potential to assist students in learning, research, and creative endeavors, thereby modernizing the educational environment and improving feedback mechanisms between teachers and students.
However, she cautioned that technology must function as a support system for cognitive processes, not a replacement for them. The Ombudsman emphasized that successful integration requires students to develop critical thinking, skills in fact-checking, the ability to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and a strong sense of ethical responsibility when using AI tools. She also noted the evolving role of the teacher, who must function as both a knowledge source and a digital mentor.
While acknowledging the draft’s alignment with UNESCO guidelines and European AI regulations, Delcheva highlighted several risks that must be addressed. These include the potential widening of the digital divide between regions, the necessity for comprehensive teacher training, safeguarding student personal data, and mitigating risks like plagiarism and over-dependence on technology. To ensure a responsible rollout, Delcheva recommended that the Ministry consider establishing a list of certified and safe AI tools for schools.
Furthermore, she stressed the need for enhanced rules concerning child protection, transparency, and human oversight, alongside integrating comprehensive mental health and social-emotional learning programs into the education system.
Topics: #education #proposed #delcheva
This seems like a necessary step to prepare students for the modern workforce.
What specific aspects of AI and digital literacy are planned for integration into the curriculum?