The Artificial Intelligence in Education project was launched at Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar". It is relised with the financial support of the Varna Municipality. The initiative aims at training 120 teachers, university lecturers, students and administrative staff of the university in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the educational environment.
The event was opened by the vice-rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tankova, who emphasized the importance of preparing teachers and students for the new digital environment and the challenges associated with it: "Our university works proactively on activities that contribute to the development of education in Varna. Lecturers and students are not only realizing the potential of AI, but also learning to manage the risks it brings. After the completion of the project, we will be more confident and convincing in the use of AI in our daily work." Assoc. Prof. Tankova thanked Varna Municipality for its support in the implementation of significant projects aimed at the development of education in the region.
The opening was attended by Dr. Irina Radeva, head of the Regional Department of Education - Varna, Elena Kenarova, head of the Education and Youth Activities department in the Municipality of Varna, and Dimitrichka Ganeva, chief expert in the same department.
Cybersecurity expert Simeon Nguyen, who is also a lecturer in the project, said that artificial intelligence has great potential in education: "I believe that AI will play a significant role as an auxiliary tool in the learning process. It can be used as an interactive textbook, a virtual assistant, for data analysis, time management, etc. The key to its effective application is in our creativity." Simeon Nguyen graduated in Systems Programming and has been in the IT field for more than 10 years. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and is a university lecturer in ethical hacking. He educates employees and companies on how to protect themselves from cyber threats.
The focus of the training will be the practical application of AI: "We have prepared equipment and software to provide the participants with the opportunity to learn through a little theory and a lot of practice," added Nikolinka Daskalova - Secretary General of VFU "Chernorrizets Hrabar" and project manager.
VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" has long-standing traditions in training teachers, lecturers and students in the trends of the modern world. The university develops innovative educational projects to prepare its graduates for the challenges of time and the world.