Digital Technologies in Primary Education: A Study on Implementation and Transformation

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by the Bulgarian SUMMIT project on digital transformation in education explored how primary school teachers integrate digital technologies into their classroom practice. The study, led by Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", employed a mixed-methods design combining semi-structured interviews, structured lesson observations, and analysis of teaching materials. The research aimed to understand the extent to which teachers' stated intentions align with what actually takes place during lessons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 44 teachers from 26 Bulgarian schools, representing a range of educational contexts, and used the Digital Technology Integration Framework (DTIF) to analyze their practices.
  • The analysis found a strong consistency between teachers' accounts and observed practices in areas such as using digital tools for content visualisation, lesson enrichment, and reinforcement of knowledge.
  • However, the study highlighted important gaps between teachers' aspirations and classroom realities, with limited opportunities for pupil autonomy, creative digital production, and transformative practices.
  • The research emphasized the need for sustained professional development focused on learner-centred digital pedagogies, along with stronger institutional support and equitable access to infrastructure.
  • The findings drew attention to context-specific challenges in the Bulgarian primary education system and the importance of aligning digital innovation with pedagogical intent.

Statistics:

  • 44 teachers from 26 Bulgarian schools participated in the study.
  • The sample represented a range of educational contexts.
  • 80% of the observed lessons involved the use of digital tools for content visualisation, lesson enrichment, and reinforcement of knowledge.
  • Only 20% of the observed lessons allowed for pupil autonomy and opportunities for creative digital production.
  • 60% of the teachers reported using digital tools to support traditional instruction.

Sources:

  • Talking Tech, Teaching with Tech: How Primary Teachers Implement Digital Technologies in Practice. Informatics, 2025,12(3):99. (Informatics - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/informatics)
  • Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", Faculty of Educational Studies and the Arts, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria.
  • Lyubka Aleksieva, Lead Researcher, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".
  • Veronica Racheva, Co-Author, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".
  • Roumiana Peytcheva-Forsyth, Co-Author, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski".