Recently, the topic of distance education has been widely discussed in our society. You can hear conflicting opinions: some consider this a dangerous phenomenon, others see this as an advantage, others do not categorically accept it. To understand this difficult issue, we decided to find out the opinion of the doctor of pedagogical sciences, professor, rector of the Innovative University of Eurasia Zhetpisbaeva Bakytgul. 

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Bakytgul Asylbekovna, what point of view do you adhere to as a professional in the field of higher education?

I am a supporter of a balanced approach to assessing the current situation when the entire education system has switched to a distance format. We must understand that, on the one hand, it was a necessary measure, on the other, distance learning technology was widely used in higher education before that. Therefore, universities were easier to navigate during the period of self-isolation than, for example, schools. Finding ourselves in an emergency, we saw in a new light the advantages of these technologies. First of all, it is an opportunity to get an education without leaving home. Individualization of training takes place, the student becomes more independent, his need for finding alternative sources of information is growing. The teacher, on the other hand, has more time to communicate with a single student, which allows him to more objectively evaluate his knowledge.  

It is believed that distance learning will replace traditional learning in the near future. What do you think should be afraid of?

I think that in this matter it is necessary to correctly place emphasis and not give in to panic. Firstly, the position of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan is quite certain. A total transition to a distance learning form will be carried out only if necessary, as was the case with the pandemic. Secondly, it is necessary to develop these technologies in our country, while maintaining traditional training. Moreover, I see this as one of the important tasks of modern education: we are obliged to form students' IT competencies and give them the opportunity to navigate freely in the global digital world.

In addition, I saw many advantages in this situation. Those problems that have not been resolved for many years, find their solution: this is the technical equipment of educational institutions, strengthening Internet connections, improving the digital literacy of teachers, the development of educational television. Parents re-realized the role of the school and teacher in the life of the child. In fact, there has been a public reappraisal of the value of education.

As I understand you are quite positive about the use of distance learning technologies, and what do teachers and students of your university think about this?

Of course, the opinion of our students and teachers is important to us. Therefore, we conducted a survey, which covered a number of issues - from self-assessment of digital literacy to attitudes towards distance learning. I am glad that in this matter my personal position coincided with the opinion of the overwhelming majority. Both students and teachers generally advocate the development of IT technology while maintaining traditional learning. Moreover, in their opinion, the scale of distance learning should not threaten socialization. The point is that with distance learning, there may be a lack of communication. There is a real danger of our youth leaving the virtual world. This is a separate topic that needs serious scientific research by psychologists, educators, and sociologists.  

Increasingly, our Kazakhstani and foreign media say that a world that has survived a pandemic will not be the same. He is on the verge of a big change. And in this case, universities will also have to change. How do you think the university will change?

I think this forecast is reasonable. The university is already changing. Most importantly, the consciousness of teachers and students is changing, who understand that the world today requires fundamentally new approaches to learning. The training methodology will radically change, which will be based on IT competencies. Now, a mandatory requirement for the teacher will be the development of an electronic educational product in the form of video courses, training programs, electronic textbooks. Those teachers who do not cope with this task will not be able to be competitive.

Of course, this will significantly affect the educational environment, which will expand through virtual laboratories, training simulators, and educational television. This will require some investment from universities.

If we talk about students, it is easier for them to navigate the new reality, which they already perceive as the digital world. Another question is how ready they are for self-organization, independence and responsibility in training, which, when using distance technologies, becomes more individual and transparent.

What would you wish to teachers, students, parents who are also trying to understand this difficult issue?

First of all, patience. In this difficult situation, it is important not to make hasty conclusions, to maintain social optimism. We must understand that, introducing distance technologies, Kazakhstan keeps up to date. Regardless of the pandemic, our education system must enter this stage of development. Today, the Ministry of Education has a clear vision of a comprehensive solution to the problems of distance education in the country. The universities have been given specific tasks, taking into account this, the regulatory documents have been revised, the cost of the educational grant has been significantly increased, and it is planned to increase the salaries of teachers in higher education. I am sure that this will increase the quality of education and allow us to see the possibilities of distance learning technologies.

Raushan Nauryzbaeva
bilimdinews.kz