Digitalization of learning environment and learning individualization are among the key global trends of education transformation. Digital tools allow designing individual learning path for each student, and improving learning efficiency by considering entrance levels of skills and knowledge, personal specifics of information perception, and speed of acquiring new knowledge. Learning analytics tools are used to analyze student digital footprint data in order to not only forecast student success of failure at the following stages of the course, but to design the most optimal path to desired learning results through the use of adaptive learning tools. The current research was aimed at developing and testing an adaptive learning method for teaching of a University foreign language course. The adaptive learning method uses analysis tools to form unique individual learning trajectory for each student. Comparative analysis of different learning models was performed using data for 5,154 students. Conclusions were made on the advantages of adaptive learning and mixed learning model with active teacher’s role in student success monitoring. Successful experience of testing the adaptive learning method for teaching foreign language demonstrates practical value of research results, and allows their further use for implementing adaptive learning in higher education institutions.
Keyword(s) : blended learning
The Development of Integrative Qualities of Primary School Teachers in the Context of Distance Learning
The paper focuses on the need to facilitate the rapid development of integrative qualities of primary school teachers who work remotely. The authors examine the mechanism of methodological support for the development of integrative qualities of primary school teachers in the context of distance and blended learning.
The review of scientific literature, detailed information on integrative qualities of the teacher, and the formation process design created the opportunity for successful development of integrative characteristics of teachers using a well-tired mechanism to support their professional training in the distance and blended learning modes.
The development of integrative qualities, ensuring the successful implementation of modern educational principles, becomes an essential task of education and a key component of pedagogical skills. Professional activities of teachers require them to react quickly to situations and implement their actions in a timely manner. Every day, teachers are involved in a variety of activities determined by their integrative qualities. Teaching is governed by the uncertainty and dynamics of the learning process, which cannot be fixed. The educational process, as a living organism, can be constantly transformed. Thereby, it maintains its viability.
The study aims to identify and theoretically justify the mechanism of methodological support for the development of integrative qualities of primary school teachers working in the distance and blended learning modes.
To address the research questions, we opted to apply questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, comparative analysis, and pedagogical modeling.
The paper presents the results of surveys and interviews with primary school teachers of rural settlements, urban-type villages and cities in the Republic of Tatarstan.
Based on the analysis of obtained data, the authors identified the following components of the studied mechanism: organizational (structural); content-related; information and educational; analytical (reflexive). The researchers outlined the functions of the proposed mechanism and its requirements for success. The study also revealed some interesting facts and observations from the experience of primary school teachers involved in the distance learning environment.
The Principles of the Implementation of Gaming Technologies in a Blended Learning Environment in a Technical University
We formulated seven general principles for authors for the implementation of educational gaming
technologies in an engineering university based on descriptions in the literature. The principles
are ordered by their “importance” for the quality of the game model and systemic influence on
the student. These principles provide conditions for mastering educational material by resolving
problematic game situations. Conclusions are made about the effectiveness of the methodology
based on the principles. It was found that the role of the emotional component in the educational
process increases, the students’ independent work is stimulated, the quality of teaching increases,
and the teacher is freed from routine control operations.
The principles of the implementation of gaming technologies in a blended learning environment in a technical university
We formulated seven general principles for authors for the implementation of educational gaming technologies in an engineering university based on descriptions in the literature. The principles are ordered by their “importance” for the quality of the game model and systemic influence on the student. These principles provide conditions for mastering educational material by resolving problematic game situations. Conclusions are made about the effectiveness of the methodology based on the principles. It was found that the role of the emotional component in the educational process increases, the students’ independent work is stimulated, the quality of teaching increases, and the teacher is freed from routine control operations.
Reflections: eLearning Colloquia enhance a Community of Practice
In this context specific reflection on an annual eLearning Colloquia hosted by the Centre for Innovative
Education and Communication Technologies (CIECT) at the University of the Western Cape
(UWC), in Cape Town, South Africa; the researchers explore how the colloquia contributed to the
institutional Community of Practice (CoP). Furthermore, it highlights the shifts in the institutional
discourse on blended teaching and learning practices over an eight year period. The paper showcases
CIECT’s efforts in driving the effective use of eTools to increase awareness and understanding of
concepts such as agency, culture and structure. This awareness is critical in a post-modern Higher
Education (HE) setting where the need to create a knowledge-intensive institutional culture exists.
The human agents are central to the formation of a sustainable CoP which contributes to effective
teaching and learning practices. Secondary data was used for the study and non-probability, purposive
sampling resulted in a sample group of 78 individuals comprising of the Instructional Design
team as well as the academic staff members at UWC who utilize the institutional Learning Management
System or a range of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in their teaching and learning
practices.