Overview
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new software platform, QPDPS (Qualification for Professional Development of Pedagogical Specialists), designed to help pedagogical specialists qualify for programs for professional development. The platform was built under Project BG05M2OP001-2.010-0001 Qualification for Professional Development of Pedagogical Specialists for the Ministry of Education and Science. It enabled teachers and companies providing professional development programs to connect, track professional development and manage paperwork for participation and funding. Teachers can choose from a pool of professional development programs, register for them, and receive certificates upon completion. We believe that this software helped improve the quality of education by making it easier for teachers to access quality qualification programs.
Project Scope
The project scope was the development of a new software platform that would be easy to use for teachers while also providing the necessary data tracking and analysis for the Ministry of Education and Science.
The platform should be an essential touchpoint for the Ministry of Education and Science, teachers, and companies with professional development programs. Teachers should be able to choose a program, register for it, sign a contract, and receive a certificate on the platform. All participants’ presence and absence should be tracked on the platform as well.
The Challenge
The biggest challenge was the difference in the computer literacy of teachers, which meant that the user interface had to be simple yet effective. In addition, the data migration from the old system to the new one was a complex task that required extraordinary attention to detail.
The Result
The project was successfully launched in Bulgaria beginning of March 2021, increasing the number of qualified teachers and ultimately enhancing educational outcomes in collaboration with the European Union operational program.
The project was a success thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties involved. It reached the objectives, making it possible for educators to receive additional qualifications.
We are glad to have contributed to the continuous advancement of education in our country and helped teachers get additional qualifications by European Union standards.
Q&A
Q1: What is QPDPS?
A1: QPDPS stands for Qualification for Professional Development of Pedagogical Specialists. It is a software platform designed to help teachers in Bulgaria register for professional development programs, track their participation, and receive certifications — all in alignment with EU standards.
Q2: Who developed the QPDPS platform and for what purpose?
A2: The platform was developed under Project BG05M2OP001-2.010-0001 for the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science. Its main goal is to streamline access to professional development opportunities for pedagogical specialists and support data tracking for the ministry.
Q3: What features does the QPDPS platform offer teachers?
A3: Teachers can browse a catalog of professional development programs, register for courses, sign contracts digitally, track attendance, and receive certificates upon completion — all within a single platform.
Q4: How does the platform support the Ministry of Education and Science?
A4: QPDPS serves as a central hub where the ministry can monitor program participation, analyze data, oversee compliance, and ensure funding transparency for teacher qualification initiatives.
Q5: Who else benefits from using the platform?
A5: Besides teachers and the ministry, companies that provide professional development programs benefit by using the platform to manage registrations, attendance, documentation, and certification processes efficiently.
Q6: What challenges did the project face during development?
A6: The main challenges included designing an intuitive interface for users with varying levels of digital literacy and executing a complex data migration from the old system to the new one with high precision.
Q7: When was the platform launched and what was the outcome?
A7: The platform launched in March 2021 in Bulgaria. It successfully increased the number of qualified teachers and contributed to improved educational outcomes across the country.
Q8: How does QPDPS contribute to the quality of education?
A8: By making it easier for teachers to access and complete high-quality qualification programs, QPDPS helps raise the professional standards of educators, ultimately leading to better learning experiences for students.
Q9: Is QPDPS aligned with European Union educational initiatives?
A9: Yes, the project is part of a broader initiative under the European Union Operational Program, ensuring that teacher qualifications align with European standards for professional development.
Q10: What is the long-term vision for the QPDPS platform?
A10: The long-term vision is to maintain and expand the platform as a cornerstone of professional development in education, ensuring continuous improvement, digital accessibility, and effective teacher training across Bulgaria.
