Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva has expressed support for draft amendments to a 2015 ordinance concerning general education. The amendments, tabled by the Education Ministry, aim to formally integrate artificial intelligence and digital literacy into the curriculum for students in grades three through twelve. In a statement addressed to the caretaker Education Minister, Sergey Ignatov, Delcheva characterized the proposed changes as a necessary modernization step for Bulgarian education amid rapid technological advancements across all sectors.
According to Delcheva, artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable aid in learning, supporting student research and creative work, and enhancing feedback mechanisms between educators and students. However, she stressed that technology should augment, not replace, cognitive processes, asserting that AI must function as a guide to knowledge rather than a substitute. Furthermore, Delcheva emphasized the necessity for students to develop critical thinking, fact-checking skills, the ability to identify disinformation and algorithmic bias, and ethical responsibility when using AI.
She noted that the teacher’s role is evolving from being solely a source of knowledge to acting as a mentor and navigator in the digital environment. While supporting the reform, Delcheva highlighted several risks. These include the potential widening of the digital divide between different regions and schools, the requirement for high-quality teacher training, safeguarding student data, mitigating plagiarism and over-reliance on technology, and establishing clear assessment methods for new competencies.
Delcheva pointed out that the draft aligns with UNESCO guidelines and EU regulations concerning AI in education. She recommended that the Ministry of Education create a registry of certified, safe AI tools for schools and introduce rules ensuring child protection, transparency, and human oversight. Additionally, she advocated for a comprehensive approach to mental health in schools, including social and emotional learning programs.
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