The Ministry of Education and Science in Bulgaria is set to embark on a pioneering pilot project with Google, aimed at enhancing the educational experience in more than 200 Bulgarian schools. This collaborative effort will grant these educational institutions access to Google’s latest education tools, including those harnessing artificial intelligence’s (AI) power. The partnership was formally established during a meeting between Bulgaria’s Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Galin Tsokov, and Google’s regional managers for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, held within the framework of the prestigious BETT 2024 education exhibition in London.
A transformative collaboration
During the meeting, Google presented the functionalities of its cutting-edge educational tools. It was revealed that Google has been incorporating AI functionalities into its products since 2015, often without users even realizing it. Now, the tech giant is developing new solutions specifically designed to simplify and support the daily work of teachers. An analysis conducted by Google indicates that the tools they have already provided to schools worldwide save teachers an average of ten hours per week, equivalent to more than a full working day. With access to the advanced features offered to the 200 Bulgarian schools, the time saved is expected to increase significantly.
Minister Tsokov expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Many schools in Bulgaria have already had positive experiences with these products, which is why our country aims to support them and offer access to the latest global solutions.” It was agreed that the implementation process could commence as early as April, with school selection based on activity levels and readiness to embrace this technological advancement.
Access to Canva’s Graphic Design Studio
As part of the collaboration, all educational institutions in Bulgaria will have free access to the graphic design studio provided by Canva. An agreement between the Ministry of Education and Canva is set to formalize this arrangement. Canva is a renowned visual design platform known for developing special features tailored for education. Currently, over 60 million students and teachers worldwide benefit from these functionalities on a daily basis, with the number of students utilizing Canva’s resources exceeding 600,000.
Sharing educational experiences with the Czech Republic
Bulgaria is set to engage in an exchange of experiences with the Czech Republic in the realms of curriculum development and teaching content. During a meeting between Minister Tsokov and representatives from the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, the Czech Republic’s successful education reform experience was presented. The Czech Republic’s approach, implemented in 2004, provided schools with considerable autonomy in defining their curricula. Minister Tsokov expressed interest in continuing the dialogue at the expert level to explore and potentially apply best practices from the Czech educational system in Bulgaria.
Collaborative efforts with Poland in digitalization and AI
Digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence in education are focal points of collaboration between Bulgaria and Poland. This strategic partnership was formalized during a meeting between Prof. Tsokov and representatives of the Polish Ministry of National Education. Minister Tsokov also visited the Polish stand at the BETT exhibition, engaging with various companies and institutions participating in the event. Poland’s substantial investment, approximately EUR 100 million, in a platform akin to Bulgaria’s Digital Backpack, was discussed during the meeting. Both sides agreed to share their experiences to identify the most effective solutions for upgrading and advancing these platforms.
Minister Tsokov’s visit to the Bulgarian Sunday School in London
Minister Tsokov extended his visit to London by paying a visit to Europe’s largest Bulgarian Sunday school, “Vasil Levski.” This institution boasts 526 pupils, with 176 participating in extracurricular activities. Marking its 15th anniversary this year, the school’s head, Milena Vezenkova, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its consistent support over the years.
The collaboration between the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Google promises to usher in a new era of technological advancement in the country’s educational sector. With access to Google’s latest tools and AI-driven solutions, over 200 Bulgarian schools are poised to provide a more enriched learning experience for students and a streamlined workflow for educators. Additionally, partnerships with Canva, the Czech Republic, and Poland underscore Bulgaria’s commitment to fostering innovation and sharing best practices in education. This initiative holds the potential to revolutionize the way education is delivered and received in Bulgaria, paving the way for a brighter future.
