ABSTRACT
Summary: The paper outlines the current state of utilizing new technologies in Bulgarian schools and the preparedness to introduce such technologies on a mass scale in schools.
The general characteristics and the structure of Bulgaria’s educational system are described, as well as the factors determining the specifics of introducing new technologies in education. Special attention is paid to using computers in schools. The developments, goals and tasks of computer-aided learning are discussed together with the respective progress plans and programmes. The current position is illustrated and details given about the future development of the material facilities and the training of teaching staff. The objectives and tasks of education are enumerated, and the contents of the ‘Fundamentals of Informatics and Computer Science’ subject introduced in Bulgarian schools are presented.
The various aspects of the mass introduction of computer-oriented information technologies in Bulgarian schools are considered in detail. The choice of computer-oriented technologies has been substantiated. The nature and the contents of the new technologies as well as their goals and tasks are set out; the methods and methodologies of their development and large-scale introduction are outlined.
The major goal of introducing the new technologies in education is to raise the quality and efficiency of learning. Basic requirements in this respect are their mass scale introduction, unified approach, efficient use of computer facilities, correct understanding of the role and place of the new tools depending on the objectives and the components of the process of learning.
