| Abstract: |
In 1987, the Bulgarian government and cooperating international agencies launched the program, "Children in the Information Age," a project aimed at: conducting and promoting national research into, exchange of information about, development and application of, practical training in, and methods and techniques for the introduction of informatics in the education of children; and assisting the international community to pursue similar endeavors by means of making its research facilities and training programs available to interested scientists and students from other, particularly developing, countries. Outputs of the project included: (1) establishment of the Research Centre for Educational Informatics (RCEI); (2) awareness of the introduction of computers and related tools into the process of education and education of teachers; (3) research, development, and adaptation of training systems; (4) implementation of new methods and new tools, including hardware, software, and videoware; (5) training activities; (6) a system of scientific and technical publications and information bulletins; and (7) exchange of experience. RCEI activities for the near future will include computer-based environments in math and science education, design and implementation of multi-functional technological hardware devices, design and implementation of artificial intelligence-based tools and systems, experimental and implementation activities, and training of specialists. (Contains 35 references.) (ALF) |