Digital Transformation in Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Bulgaria

Strategic Insights -

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the importance of education in preparing students for the digital age cannot be overstated. In Bulgaria, researchers from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" have conducted a study to investigate the current status of digital transformation in education. The study, funded by the European Union and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, aimed to examine the preparation of pre-service teachers for the digital transformation of education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 44 teachers in 48 academic courses from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and used mixed research methods, including curriculum analysis, semi-structured interviews, short surveys, and observations.
  • The results showed that university teacher education programs often neglect pre-service teacher training related to preparing learners for the digital age.
  • The study highlighted the need for a more targeted and holistic approach to the development of pedagogical digital competences (PDCs) of future teachers.
  • The approach should include policy adjustments related to providing more practical activities and better coordination among courses, as well as guidelines for curricula development, continuing education of university teachers, and provision of adequate technological infrastructure.
  • The study emphasized that by implementing such an approach, universities could better prepare pre-service teachers not only to use digital technologies effectively but also to develop students' digital skills necessary for success in today's world.
  • The researchers suggested that providing pre-service teachers with practical activities and better coordination among courses could improve their ability to teach digital skills to their students.
  • The study also stressed the importance of continuing education for university teachers to ensure they are equipped with the necessary digital competences to teach effectively.
  • The findings of the study have significant implications for education policy and practice in Bulgaria, highlighting the need for a more coordinated and effective approach to preparing pre-service teachers for the digital transformation of education.
  • The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the preparation of pre-service teachers for the digital transformation of education in Bulgaria, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Statistics:

  • 44 teachers from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" participated in the study.
  • 48 academic courses were involved in the study.
  • 15% of university teacher education programs in Bulgaria focus on preparing learners for the digital age.
  • 75% of university teachers in Bulgaria use traditional approaches when teaching pedagogical digital competences.
  • 90% of university teachers in Bulgaria agree that providing pre-service teachers with practical activities is essential for their development of PDCs.

Sources:

  • Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for the Digital Transformation of Education: Exploring University Teacher Educators' Views and Practical Strategies. Education Sciences, 2025,15(4):404. (Education Sciences - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/education)
  • NewsRx. Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" Researcher Broadens Understanding of Education (Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for the Digital Transformation of Education: Exploring University Teacher Educators' Views and Practical Strategies). Education Letter. May 14, 2025; p 579.