REIMAGINING EDUCATION: TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Abstract

This study explores the transformative potential of integrating technology and innovation into the educational system, focusing on the vision for the school of the future. The purpose of the research is to identify key areas requiring reform and propose actionable strategies for adapting to contemporary challenges. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined a comprehensive literature review with a survey conducted among 224 participants, including students, teachers, educational professionals, and parents from Veliko Tarnovo University "St. Cyril and Methodius” (Bulgaria). The survey, spanning from September 2023 to October 2024, captured diverse perspectives through both closed and open-ended questions.

The results reveal several critical areas for change. Curricula and textbooks emerged as a priority, with participants emphasizing the need to streamline content, embrace digitalization, and align materials with contemporary educational goals. Flexibility in subject selection was highlighted, advocating for personalized learning approaches that empower students to pursue their interests while maintaining structured guidance. Learning spaces were identified as essential for fostering creativity and collaboration, with recommendations for outdoor facilities, adaptable classrooms, and recreational zones.

Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of vocational education and teacher preparation. Respondents called for a reimagined vocational training framework introduced at strategic points in students’ academic journeys, coupled with robust teacher development programs focusing on digital competency, adaptive teaching strategies, and inclusivity. Balancing the integration of digital tools with traditional methods was deemed vital to address concerns such as digital isolation and inequitable access to resources.

This study concludes that the school of the future must evolve into a dynamic, inclusive, and technology-enhanced environment. It must not only facilitate knowledge acquisition but also promote personal growth, critical thinking, and adaptability. To achieve this, a hybrid educational model is recommended, combining the strengths of digital tools with face-to-face interactions. Investments in teacher training, infrastructure modernization, and curriculum innovation are essential to ensure the system’s relevance and effectiveness.

Recommendations from this research include adopting policies to support equitable access to digital resources, fostering collaboration between educators and policymakers, and creating flexible learning pathways tailored to individual needs. These steps aim to prepare students for the complexities of a rapidly evolving global landscape while ensuring educational institutions remain integral to societal development.