Applying UNESCO’s Six-Pillar Framework to Assess Digital Transformation in Bulgarian Education

Abstract

The accelerated development and integration of artificial intelligence in the education system requires the use of systematic and evidence-based approaches to assess the state of digitalization. For the publication, a study of the mechanisms for national research and evaluation of digitalization in the education system has been conducted. In most cases, the assessment covers various aspects of digitalization, indicating a lack of an integrated approach that includes all key indicators. The current study bridges this methodological gap by using the “Six Pillars of Digitalization” model as a framework to assess the state of digitalization in the education system. A methodology is proposed that consists of four stages: identifying programs and projects under the six pillars, defining key evaluation questions and performance indicators, selecting data collection methods, and applying the PDCA cycle-based evaluation approach. The National Program “Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Pre-school and School Education” is used as an empirical case, as its objectives and implemented activities correspond to the conceptual dimensions of the six pillars. The evaluation results provide a structured overview of the extent to which the national program meets the individual digitalization indicators. The study confirms the Six Pillars of Digitalization as a comprehensive tool for assessing the current state and identifying areas for improvement in digital transformation within the education system.