The Ministry of Education and Science is launching a large-scale project for the digital transformation of school education worth over 126 million euros. On NOVA NEWS, Filip Ivanov, Director of the “Information and Communication Technologies” Directorate, and Vladimir Stanchev, Director of the “Project Management and Implementation” Directorate at MES, announced that the project is strategic for the country and is financed under the European Social Fund Plus.
The main emphasis of the project is the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. “Artificial intelligence will certainly not replace teachers, because it cannot replace them, but it will be an assistant to them in administrative processes and in personalizing content for children”, emphasized Vladimir Stanchev.
The system will allow for early detection of learning difficulties through data analysis. A student who was absent from school for a week was cited as a specific example - AI will analyze the missed material and offer the child specific lesson units and self-tests to catch up effectively.
In response to criticism of difficult access to digital platforms, Filip Ivanov announced that a single national identity has been created for all users in the education system. “Every student and teacher now has their own username, with which they can use all MES services in a protected manner”, he explained. Ivanov added that the project places a serious focus on cybersecurity and the protection of children's personal data.
The project will last four years and envisages a phased introduction of the various tools. A large-scale program is planned to train teachers to work with artificial intelligence and digital tools, as well as the creation of interest clubs for students, aimed at digital literacy and social skills.