Abstract:

Educational leaders play a major role in influencing the climate, attitude and reputation of universities. They are the cornerstone on which the learning communities function and develop.
According to a study by the Wallace Foundation, "Leadership is second only to the content of lecture courses as an impact on student learning."
In this context, cultural heritage education has great potential to encourage the use of innovation and creativity in learning. The role of leadership in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in cultural heritage education in a university environment is analyzed in the article. Several basic questions have been raised: how the leadership practices appropriate in education through the use of ICTs and how can they provide maximum access to cultural heritage education; to what fundamental changes will result from the application of ICT in education in the field of cultural heritage; what are the prospects of this type of education. The role of leadership in the implementation of innovative educational models such as e- learning at universities involving trained cultural heritage professionals is outlined. The major trends and conclusions are outlined.

Methodology:
The research uses universal methods of scientific knowledge, namely: theoretical analysis (primary and secondary), synthesis, comparison, generalization of best practices, concepts and content analysis of international and national programs and highlighted the role of leadership in education on cultural heritage through the use of ICT in a university environment. A wealth of empirical material from work on European projects has been used to select good practices. Outlined are results of surveys at national and European level.

Results:
- A global analysis and evaluation of leadership practices in a university environment related to the application of ICT in cultural heritage education in Bulgaria and in the context of European experience has been made.
- Identified are changes in leadership practices in education on cultural heritage in the university environment.
- Good practices have been selected and prospects for developing of leadership in cultural heritage education through the application of ICT in Bulgaria and in the context of the current state of this research area in developed European countries have been outlined.

Keywords:

Leadership, education, Information and Communication Technologies, cultural heritage, university environment.