Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has endorsed draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance on general education, which the Education Ministry tabled. The proposed changes 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, Delcheva characterized these amendments as a timely and necessary measure for modernizing Bulgarian education amid rapid technological advancements.
According to Delcheva, AI holds potential as a valuable aid in learning, student research, and creative work, while also modernizing the educational environment and enhancing teacher-student feedback. However, she stressed that technology must support, rather than replace, cognitive processes, asserting that AI should function as a guide to knowledge. Furthermore, Delcheva highlighted the critical need for students to develop skills in critical thinking, fact-checking, identifying disinformation and algorithmic bias, and maintaining ethical responsibility when using AI.
She noted the evolving role of the teacher, who must now act as both a mentor and a navigator in the digital sphere. Delcheva also outlined several risks associated with the reform, including the potential widening of the digital divide between regions, the requirement for high-quality teacher training, protecting student data, the risk of plagiarism, and the need for robust technical infrastructure. The Ombudsman noted that the draft aligns with UNESCO guidelines and European AI regulations.
She recommends the Ministry consider establishing a list of certified AI tools for schools, introducing rules for child protection and transparency, and implementing comprehensive mental health programs within schools.
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