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March 23 The conference "Life After: A Hybrid World as a New Normal" was held on March 1, 2019. It was organized by the Digital Learning community with the support of Gazprom Neft Corporate University. Representatives of training centers from major Russian companies and experts in corporate education participated in the event. Conference participants discussed current prospects for the development of corporate training, examined popular class formats, and highlighted professions that have acquired particular significance in the context of a hybrid world. This conference became an important platform for exchanging experiences and developing new approaches in the field of education.
How COVID-19 has affected corporate training
Speakers emphasized that the pandemic has significantly changed many business processes, including the work of corporate universities. Despite the return of in-person learning, online learning will continue to be an important part of the educational process. Experts predict that a blended format, in which some classes are held in the classroom and the rest are remote, will gain popularity in the future. This approach allows for flexible adaptation to employee needs and improves the availability of educational resources.
The force majeure lockdown has changed the approach to training, forcing people to acquire new skills at an accelerated pace and online. This has also led to the rapid development of educational content by companies, which have begun to quickly respond to business needs. Remote work is ideal for organizations with a large number of employees and branches throughout Russia. Furthermore, online training offers more opportunities than traditional formats: there are no strict limits on the number of participants or the number of programs. This approach allows for the most efficient use of resources for employee development.
The format of a specific training module depends on the specifics of the company and the needs of the target audience. For example, when training on specific equipment, in-person classes are essential. This ensures a deep understanding of the material and practical skill acquisition, which is critical for effective work.
Many companies continue to use the offline format, as remote communication limits the ability to build a network of contacts and fully interact with people. In-person meetings also facilitate the spontaneous generation of innovative ideas, which is difficult to achieve in a virtual environment. The offline format remains an important tool for building business relationships and sharing creative solutions.
In English-speaking culture, there is a saying that ideas often arise during casual meetings around the coffee machine, where employees from different departments can exchange thoughts. On our campuses, this practice is implemented during classes, where people who are not always professionally connected come together. It is in such situations that fresh ideas emerge—be they major innovations or local initiatives. This idea generation process plays as important a role as the learning itself, fostering creativity and interdisciplinary interaction.
Igor Baranov is a name associated with professionalism and a high level of expertise in his field. He has proven himself to be a reliable specialist who is able to solve complex problems and achieve set goals. His experience and knowledge make him a valuable asset to the teams he works with. Igor actively monitors trends and new technologies, allowing him to remain at the forefront of his profession. This allows him to offer his clients innovative solutions and approaches that meet current market demands.
The Vice-Rector for Education and Research at SberUniversity is responsible for the strategic development of educational programs and research. His primary goal is to ensure high-quality education, implement innovative teaching methods, and support scientific initiatives. The Vice-Rector actively collaborates with faculty and researchers to create an effective educational environment that fosters the development of students and researchers. An important aspect of his work is the integration of modern technologies into the educational process and the development of partnerships with leading universities and research centers.
Companies are in the initial stages of a massive transition to online learning. Experts argue that a successful transition requires developing a comprehensive infrastructure and implementing specialized digital tools. This will optimize business processes and improve customer interactions in the digital environment.
Corporate universities have long been developing online courses and using distance learning technologies. However, the widespread adoption of these learning formats only occurred in 2020. This year can be compared to the era when the first automobiles appeared, along with the first car races. Although many were able to adapt to the new conditions, this did not mean that cars became a part of everyday life. True integration occurred only after the construction of roads, which allowed for their full use. The current period can be considered the initial steps in mastering distance learning. True evolution in this direction is yet to come, and we must create the necessary conditions for a full transition to effective distance learning.
Ilya Dementyev is an expert in his field and actively shares his knowledge and experience with others. His work covers a wide range of topics, including modern trends and technologies. Ilya constantly updates his skills and stays abreast of the latest industry developments, allowing him to remain at the forefront of his professional activities. He strives to ensure that his projects are not only successful but also beneficial to society. In his publications, Ilya shares unique approaches and practical advice that can help others achieve success in their endeavors.
The Rector of Gazprom Neft Corporate University is responsible for the strategic development of educational programs and initiatives aimed at improving the skills of the company's employees. His responsibilities include managing the educational process, implementing innovative teaching methods, and ensuring a high level of training for specialists in the oil and gas industry. The Rector also actively participates in forming partnerships with other educational institutions and scientific organizations to exchange experiences and implement best practices in education. The rector's successful work contributes not only to the professional growth of Gazprom Neft employees, but also to the development of the entire industry as a whole.
Which methods of conducting classes have become popular?
Experts came to the conclusion that the training mode depends on the specifics of the task. Nevertheless, they unanimously agree that modern and interactive formats are necessary for effective training. The use of high-tech solutions in the educational process contributes to increased engagement and assimilation of material.
Today, several current trends can be identified.
Courses are becoming shorter and more intense, which helps to better retain the audience's attention.
Corporate training, like cinema, has undergone significant changes. Previously, we created full-fledged long courses, then moved on to short modules, and now we are developing entire series of training programs. Importantly, we are introducing elements of interactivity into these programs. Our goal is to deeply engage and motivate participants by making the content as relevant as possible to real-life situations. We strive to eliminate unnecessary information and provide only the knowledge that is truly necessary. This approach is an ongoing process, with each program constantly updated with new elements. We emphasize awareness, depth of perception, and speed of information absorption.
Marina Derevleva is a talented author and specialist in her field. She is known for her unique approaches to creativity and in-depth analysis of various topics. Marina's work is distinguished by its high quality, originality, and attention to detail. With her experience and knowledge, she inspires others and facilitates the development of interesting projects. Marina actively shares her experience and ideas, making her a valuable resource for those seeking to expand their horizons and deepen their knowledge in their chosen field.
As the head of the corporate university at SIBUR, she is responsible for the strategic development of educational programs and initiatives within the organization. His/her task is to develop an effective system of training and professional development for employees, which, in turn, contributes to the company's growth and competitiveness in the market. An important aspect of the manager's work is the implementation of innovative training methods that meet modern requirements and trends. Effective management of the corporate university allows SIBUR to develop internal talent and maintain a high level of professionalism among its employees.
How Educational Content Is Changing
In 2020, the demands on educational content increased significantly. Users are looking for practical knowledge that can be applied immediately, without excessive theoretical information. People want to receive useful information at a time convenient for them.
In 2020, I realized that the audience's perception of content, including corporate education, resembles our civilized attitude to food. We strive to ensure that content is not only interesting but also useful and balanced. It is important to have a clear schedule to understand when and how to consume information, similar to eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is also necessary to consider the balance of various elements: knowledge, skills, and practice, to achieve the set goals. For some, this may be advanced training, for others, the development of new competencies. As a result, it became clear that educational content is important and relevant; it must be as useful and applicable as possible in the current situation. Natalia Tsarevskaya is an expert in project management and business development. She has many years of experience in creating effective strategies and optimizing processes. Natalia actively shares her knowledge through seminars and publications, helping professionals reach new heights in their careers. Her approach is based on an individual approach to each client, which allows her to find optimal solutions for various business problems. Thanks to a deep understanding of modern trends and technologies, Natalia successfully copes with the challenges facing modern business. As CEO of the EdTech accelerator ED2, she is a key figure in the development of educational technologies. His responsibilities include strategic management of projects aimed at supporting education startups. Under his leadership, ED2 actively promotes the implementation of innovative solutions that improve the quality of education and the accessibility of educational resources. The CEO also represents the company at various industry events, which helps strengthen partnerships and attract investment in projects focused on the development of the EdTech sector.
Competition among educational institutions is expected to intensify in the near future. The number of educational materials and courses is growing every year, but not all of them are of high quality. Organizations will have to make significant efforts to attract the attention of the target audience and stand out from the competition. Key factors for success will be content quality, innovative approaches to learning, and effective marketing strategies.
How the role of mentors and tutors has changed
Educators' tasks are becoming increasingly complex every year. Modern students not only expect knowledge transfer but also view teachers as mentors who will help them in their further development. They seek support and guidance in the process of applying their acquired skills in practice. It's important for educators to not only share information but also create a positive environment for practical learning, which promotes deeper understanding and successful application of the material covered.
The demand for tutors continues to grow. Tutors play a key role in motivating students and establishing effective communication between students and teachers. They make the educational process more comfortable and productive, providing support and an individual approach to each student. In the modern educational environment, having a tutor is becoming a necessity, as they facilitate a deeper understanding of the material and improve academic performance.
Research shows that with asynchronous learning without tutor support, course completion rates remain low. However, the presence of tutor support significantly increases this figure to 60%. This demonstrates the importance of mentoring in the learning process, highlighting the need to implement tutor support to improve the effectiveness of educational programs.
People learn better through social interactions. Oleg Zamyshlyaev, founder of Mozlab.ru and Tellsy.pro and author of the Future Learning Telegram channel, noted the importance of communication between people in the learning process. Without support and shared experiences, learning becomes less effective. Social connections and interaction with other learners contribute to the deep absorption of information and the development of skills.
What professionals do corporate universities need?
Corporate universities within companies are acquiring the status of a full-fledged educational structure, comparable to state universities. In this regard, the need for qualified teachers and specialists in related fields for their effective functioning is increasing. Companies strive to develop internal training centers, which requires the involvement of professionals capable of providing high-quality education and training for employees.
A methodologist plays a key role in the educational process, equal in importance to a tutor or mentor. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively process and structure expert content. They create not just notes, but comprehensive interactive educational materials that facilitate deeper learning and the development of students' practical skills. A high-quality methodologist ensures a high level of educational process and helps students achieve their goals.
Packaging a product is only the first step. Effective marketing is also crucial. This task is handled by T&D marketers who specialize in training and development. Thanks to their efforts, corporate universities are becoming attractive employers for education specialists, offering unique opportunities for professional growth and career development.
How Corporate Training Will Develop
Experts argue that educational structures within companies must evolve into centers of innovation, actively responding to global changes and shaping new trends, rather than simply adapting to existing ones. In this context, corporate training will become increasingly individualized, taking into account the unique needs and goals of employees. This will improve the effectiveness of training and create a more adaptive and flexible corporate culture.
Experts predict that universities and commercial educational centers may change their roles in the education system. This is due to the fact that businesses require significant time to retrain graduates in order to adapt their skills to their needs. As a result, educational institutions must collaborate more actively with industry to ensure graduates have relevant knowledge and skills that meet labor market demands.
Starting this academic year, Gazprom Neft, together with ITMO, launched Russia's first master's program aimed at training software developers and unmanned vehicle operators. The company's immediate plans include introducing two-year free robotics courses for students. We actively collaborate with universities to develop educational programs in the field of artificial intelligence. Within each area, we provide technical specifications for training specialists with specific competencies in demand at our company. This will help create a qualified workforce capable of successfully working in today's rapidly evolving technology environment.
Ilya Dementyev is a familiar name to many. He is an expert in his field and actively shares his knowledge and experience. Thanks to his achievements and professional approach, Ilya has become an authority among colleagues and clients. His work covers a wide range of topics, and he is always striving for self-improvement. Ilya Dementyev brings fresh ideas and innovative solutions, making him a valuable specialist. If you are looking for a professional who can help you achieve your goals, Ilya Dementyev is an excellent choice.
The Rector of Gazprom Neft Corporate University manages the educational activities and strategic development of the educational institution. He is responsible for the implementation of innovative teaching methods, the development of employee professional development programs, and the formation of a corporate culture. Under the Rector's leadership, the university actively collaborates with leading experts and research institutions, which contributes to the improvement of the quality of education and the professional skills of the company's employees. The Rector also participates in the development and implementation of strategies aimed at training specialists who meet the modern requirements of the oil and gas industry.
One of the key trends in education is the development of meta-universities. This is a form of cooperation between business and higher education institutions that allows students to study specific aspects of the profession in the context of a real company. This approach is justified by the fact that future applicants should acquire practical knowledge that will be essential for their future professional careers. This not only improves students' level of preparation but also promotes a deeper understanding of labor market requirements.
For students, it is important to increase the number of internships and practical project-based learning opportunities based on interaction with the real sector. This will provide an opportunity to better understand whether their chosen profession is right for them. For companies, this is an excellent opportunity to evaluate potential employees and decide on further cooperation. Increasing students' practical experience contributes to the development of their professional skills and increases their chances of successful future employment.