Distance learning at the Department of physical and economic geography of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU

The global situation that has developed in the context of the threat of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has sharply posed the problem of effective organization of distance learning in a variety of educational institutions in Kazakhstan.

Distance education is learning at a distance in online mode, when the whole process is based on communication via the Internet. The student studies independently, attends online or offline classes, and passes all independent and practical work, tests, and written assignments in accordance with the academic calendar of the University.

When implementing distance learning, teachers take into account its main characteristics, such as modularity, flexibility, and specialized technologies and learning tools. The modularity of distance learning allows students to get a complete picture of a particular subject area when they master each course, and then form an individual program according to the needs of the student. The flexibility of distance learning includes both the temporal and spatial freedom of personal learning schedules and the flexibility of the curriculum that the student creates based on their needs and capabilities.

Specialized technologies and learning tools are a large set of forms and means of interaction in the process of independent, but controlled development of a certain body of knowledge by a student in a discipline.

There are currently enough resources and specialized technologies for distance learning. Students of The Department of physical and economic geography have the opportunity to study on the online platform "Platonus" and on the educational portal mooc.enu.kz, which can be used by anyone, since video lectures are freely available.

The resources of the ZOOM, Moodle, and Microsoft Teams programs are also actively used in the process of distance learning, which is characterized by great flexibility in its organization and effective use.

Distance learning meets the requirements of modern life, as the great potential of distance technologies and programs allows you to hold international round tables, conferences, lectures with invited public and creative figures, seminars and trainings, including a large number of participants from different countries and different spheres of life without extra financial costs.

The teaching staff of the Department of physical and economic geography implemented all forms and methods of conducting scientific, creative and socially significant events.

For example, during September 2020, the Department of physical and economic geography conducted classes as follows:

- all lectures were held online, with connection via various platforms (ZOOM, Moodle, MS Teams);

- assignments for practical classes and SRO are accepted offline on the basis of Platonus. This allowed students to build their own time management and follow the deadline;

- doctoral and master's students work on-line with their research supervisors as part of the R & d/R & D process;

- teachers have moved to a complete distance from the University building and work remotely. Now we are waiting for articles in rating journals, because the faculty has more time for scientific activities;

- all of us, whether a student or an experienced Professor, are engaged in self-development, actively mastering new technologies, while attending various online courses and seminars.

Distance education, bringing together a large number of people from different parts of the world, provides great opportunities for personal growth of specialists, development of a new information world and transition to digital Kazakhstan.

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