Education and EdTech: What to Learn and Hear in September 2024

Contents:

• Is there a myth about the "hothouse" education in Montessori kindergartens?
• MTS Initiatives: Free educational programs for young people - why and how they are implemented
• Necessary innovative AI technologies for the educational sphere
• Is it possible to develop independent learning skills in students?
• Comparative analysis of Japanese universities and their Western and Russian counterparts
• Innovative teaching methods for a successful start to the school year
• Adult teaching methods: advantages Ignorance versus knowledge
• The history of the creation of Foxford and the current initiatives of its founder
• Advice from experts for infobusinessmen received at EdTech Expo

Is there a myth about “hothouse” education in Montessori kindergartens?

Ksenia Lavrova is a Montessori teacher and one of the founders of the children's kindergarten in Tbilisi.

In the podcast "From Bell to Bell".

Montessori pedagogy is based on several key principles that are aimed at creating a favorable educational environment for children. The most important of these is respect for the individuality of each child, which implies taking into account their unique abilities, interests, and pace of development.

Furthermore, this system emphasizes the child's active participation in the learning process. Children are encouraged to independently explore and choose activities, which contributes to the development of their initiative and responsibility. Also important is the creation of a prepared environment that includes special materials and equipment that promote learning through hands-on experience.

Montessori pedagogy assumes that adults play the role of observers and facilitators, rather than directive teachers. This allows children to develop their social skills and cooperation in a group, which is an integral part of their learning.

In general, the basic principles of Montessori education are aimed at creating an environment in which children can develop freely and naturally, in accordance with their needs and interests.

In this episode, the guest shares her knowledge with the hosts, touching on the specifics of Montessori kindergartens and schools. She explains which principles are mandatory within this educational approach and which can be adapted to specific conditions. The conversation also raises questions about how conflicts are resolved in this system, how teachers deal with problematic student behavior, and how they identify and address sensitive periods in children's development.

Ksenia Lavrova insists that the Montessori method is not an idealized fiction, far removed from reality. In her opinion, this educational approach focuses on introducing children to the world around them as effectively as possible and teaching them to interact with it.

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Maria Montessori is an outstanding teacher and doctor who developed a unique Montessori developed a teaching method that was tailored to the individual needs of each child. Her approach is based on the principles of independence and freedom in learning, allowing children to develop in a comfortable environment. Montessori believed that education should take into account children's natural desires for exploration and knowledge. Her pedagogical ideas began to take shape in the early 20th century, when she opened the first school in Rome, where she applied her innovative methods. Since then, her approach has become popular not only in Italy but also in many countries around the world. Montessori has gained wide recognition for her contribution to the development of educational practices that are still widely used today. Maria Montessori had a busy life: she faced difficulties, but her perseverance and faith in her method helped her overcome them. Today, her name is associated with high-quality education, and schools using her methodology continue to open around the world, confirming the relevance of her ideas and approaches.

MTS Initiatives: Free Educational Programs for Young People – Why and How They Are Implemented

Olga Yurkova is the head of the center for social and charitable initiatives at MTS.

Location: "Learning Between Times" podcast from Labmedia.

This episode is about a virtual web design school aimed at children, as well as other projects implemented by the company.

In this episode, Olga Yurkova shares her vision of the goals of MTS educational programs aimed at young people. She notes that these initiatives are not intended for direct career guidance or training: such tasks are achieved through specialized courses, internships, and competitions designed for students of higher education institutions. Projects aimed at schoolchildren are primarily educational and partly marketing-oriented. Teenagers are not only potential IT and design specialists, but also active users of various digital solutions, which the company aims to introduce them to.

In addition to the main topic, the guest shares her opinion on how the process of creating massive courses is organized. She talks about how preliminary research is conducted, how long it takes to develop educational materials, and who checks the homework submitted by thousands of students from all over the country.

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Companies are looking to tailor career guidance for children to their interests. How useful is this really?

Necessary Innovative AI Technologies for Education

Konstantin Egoshin is the CEO of Professor's Sneakers.

Venue: Webinar organized by the Moscow Government University.

This article examines the key digital technologies that shape the modern educational environment and predicts what new tools and solutions may emerge in the near future. It focuses on how various platforms and applications are using innovative methods to improve the learning process and interaction between students and teachers. In addition to existing solutions, the introduction of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality, is expected, promising to make learning more interactive and personalized.

At the very beginning of the conversation, Konstantin Egoshin, representing a company developing IT solutions primarily for government clients, including higher education institutions, shares information about how educational institutions are adapting the Moodle learning management system (LMS) and what types of content are being integrated into this platform.

Another interesting topic is the various ways of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the educational process. Konstantin highlights the most relevant options, most of which have already been developed at least as prototypes, and explains the role they can play in education. These include AI assistants for students and teachers, systems that adapt content to student needs, proctoring technologies, and devices that allow students to navigate the classroom. He also mentions AI tutors capable of assessing students' knowledge interactively, analyzing their use of vocabulary that matches the course's semantic core, and much more.

The company "Professor's Sneakers" is beginning to develop a system that will predict student performance. Let us remind you that a similar tool has already been mentioned earlier at the Moscow City Pedagogical University.

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In 2024, a number of new trends are observed in the field of innovative pedagogy. One of the key areas is the integration of technology into the educational process, which makes learning more interactive and accessible. Furthermore, the emphasis on individualization of education is becoming increasingly relevant, which implies adapting educational materials to the unique needs of each student.

Also important is the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which helps students better cope with the challenges of the modern world. The use of project-based learning methods, where students work on real-world problems, promotes deeper knowledge acquisition and the development of practical skills.

Another notable trend is the emphasis on emotional health and social skills, which helps create a more harmonious learning environment. Finally, collaboration between educational institutions and various organizations is becoming increasingly popular, opening up new horizons for the practical application of students' knowledge and skills.

Is it possible to develop independent learning skills in students?

Irina Yurochkina is a methodologist and creator of educational programs.

On the "University Library Online" platform.

This text discusses teaching methods that can contribute to more effective student learning.

During this webinar, the expert encourages teachers to recall their own student experiences, which, judging by their successful careers in academia, were quite productive. Irina Yurochkina suggests sharing her teaching methods, emphasizing an important principle: changing the approach to interacting with students and educational programs, moving from the mindset of "We will teach you" to a more inspiring one: "You can learn."

The techniques discussed in the webinar may seem simple at first glance, but, as the expert emphasizes, they are rarely used in practice. This is because many assume that students in higher education institutions already possess independent learning skills. For example, Irina Yurochkina recommends introducing students to the Pomodoro technique, which involves organizing work into short, focused sessions interspersed with short breaks. She also emphasizes the need to plan homework in advance in this format. Another important aspect is the need to explain to students in more detail what requirements are placed on them during the learning process, thereby creating a kind of learning contract.

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Five recommendations for methodologists and curators of online courses aimed at supporting students in in the process of mastering the educational material.

1. Creating interactive content. Incorporating various interactive elements into the learning process, such as quizzes, assignments, and discussions, will allow students not only to better absorb the information but also to actively participate in learning.

2. Regular feedback. It is important to provide students with timely comments and recommendations on their work. This will help them understand their strengths and weaknesses, as well as adjust their approach to learning.

3. Maintaining motivation. Stimulating students with various incentives, such as certificates, additional materials, or the opportunity to participate in competitions, can significantly increase their interest in learning.

4. Creating a community. Forming a group for communication and collaborative learning among students promotes the exchange of experiences and ideas. This also creates an atmosphere of support, which is especially important in the online format.

5. Individual approach. Given the diversity of learning styles and learning paces, it is necessary to adapt assignments and teaching methods to ensure that each student can work comfortably and effectively.

Comparative Analysis of Japanese Universities and Their Western and Russian Analogues

Alexander Meshcheryakov is a historian and teacher.

In a podcast called "The Quince League."

The topic concerns personal experiences related to working at Japanese universities.

This episode features a short interview with an expert who has visited various Japanese universities for study, research, and teaching over a long period of time. Alexander Meshcheryakov shares his views on the history of the Japanese educational system and shares his general impressions of Japanese university campuses and his work there.

According to him, the global trend toward narrow specialization in scientific activity is particularly pronounced in Japan. One can encounter researchers who are deeply immersed in the study of a particular period in the life of a historical figure, but are completely uninterested in other periods of their biography. In this regard, the expert cautions against beginning studies in Japan for those intending to work in other countries. In addition, from the podcast you can learn about the presence of rock gardens on Japanese university campuses, how polite Japanese students are, and the reasons why the emperor does not give lectures at universities.

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The first universities began to form in Europe in the 12th century, when intellectual life began to develop rapidly thanks to the growth of cities and an interest in knowledge. The first of these educational institutions was the University of Bologna, founded in 1088, which became a model for other universities. This educational institution placed an emphasis on the study of law and the humanities, which contributed to the spread of scientific traditions.

Following Bologna, universities appeared in Paris, Oxford, and Cambridge, which also made significant contributions to the development of education and science. These institutions attracted students from all over Europe, providing high-level education and facilitating the exchange of knowledge between different cultures.

In Russia, the first universities arose later, in the 18th century. St. Petersburg University was founded in 1724 by decree of Peter the Great and became the first higher education institution in the country. Its creation reflected an interest in Western educational traditions and the need to train qualified specialists for the needs of the state.

Following it, Moscow University opened in 1755, which also played an important role in the educational process in Russia, shaping scientific and cultural traditions. These educational institutions significantly influenced the development of Russian science and education, continuing the traditions established by European universities.

Innovative teaching methods for a successful start to the school year

Teachers from Rostov-on-Don are Kira Druzhinina and Alexander Zaitsev.

In a podcast called "Teachers of the Year".

The topic touches on various teaching methods, including gaming and digital technologies, as well as other unconventional approaches to the educational process.

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts and their guests share their experiences using various formats in teaching students of different years and specialties, both long-established and recently introduced. Theatrical practices, debates in various forms, and teamwork prove useful for both future programmers and philologists. Furthermore, playing Dungeons and Dragons during class can be an engaging method. Participants emphasize the importance of not allowing these activities to become mere entertainment. A reflection process at the end of the practice or in the following lesson, when students can reflect on and express their findings, is crucial. The episode concludes with a focus on digital interaction with students, as well as the current use of artificial intelligence in the educational process and ideas for developing a culture of working with neural networks. Participants have varied opinions regarding AI-based tools, but some are already successfully implementing chatbots using generative neural networks in their teaching practices. For example, by teaching students to formulate prompts, they effectively replace traditional course guidelines with these modern solutions.

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Four engaging methods for solving pedagogical problems.

Adult Teaching Methods: The Benefits of Not Knowing vs. Knowing

Elena Tikhomirova is the CEO of eLearning Center and an expert in adult education.

In the podcast "What They Will Say."

Elena's story of becoming a teaching professional is full of interesting moments and valuable lessons. This text will discuss how she managed to reach such heights, as well as the key aspects necessary for effective work in this profession.

Elena began her journey with a simple passion for teaching. Gradually, delving deeper into this field, she realized that teaching is not just the transfer of knowledge, but also the creation of an environment conducive to development. Reading literature, participating in seminars and practical courses helped her form her own approach to teaching.

Over the course of her career, Elena realized that in order to successfully complete her work, it is necessary to consider several important factors. First, the ability to adapt to different learning styles is key. Understanding that each person is unique and requires an individual approach has allowed her to effectively interact with students.

Second, an important aspect is the constant improvement of one's own skills. In a rapidly changing world of technology and teaching methods, it is essential to stay abreast of the latest trends and apply them in one's practice. This helps not only improve the quality of instruction but also maintain student interest.

Finally, Elena emphasizes the importance of feedback. By receiving feedback from participants in her programs, she can adjust her methods and approaches, which in turn increases the effectiveness of the educational process.

Thus, Elena's path to becoming a learning specialist illustrates the importance of flexibility, continuous development, and active interaction with students in this field.

This issue explores three key aspects. The first topic is shared by Elena Tikhomirova, who explains how she accidentally found herself in the field of instructional design. She also reflects on how passion for one's profession develops: can such a feeling really arise at first sight?

The second part is devoted to the basic principles, common myths, and risky approaches in adult education. For example, Elena is convinced that adults are incapable of intensive learning and believes that the culture of "courseaholism" is not only harmful but also ineffective. The conversation between the guest and the host also explores why myths from fields such as organizational psychology, neuroscience, and other disciplines—from concepts of learning styles to the eight-second attention span—are so easily perpetuated and spread in education.

In the final section, we discuss the importance of courage in admitting one's ignorance, as well as the significant role that vulnerability plays in adult learning. We'll also explore the benefits that can emerge from these difficult emotions.

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Eight unexpected factors contributing to the abandonment of asynchronous learning.

The History of Foxford and the Current Initiatives of Its Founder

Alexey Polovinkin is the CEO of Tsifrium and the creator of the Foxford online school.

In an interview on the EduMakers channel, Mikhail Mordasov shared his thoughts.

The topic of discussion concerns experience in the educational business and current initiatives that are currently being developed.

In this interview, Alexey Polovinkin shares his experience of transitioning from a career in IT and teaching at MIPT to creating his first educational project, the 100EGE school, which later transformed into Foxford. He also expresses his opinion on online education and points out the key shortcomings of traditional schools and universities. Alexey currently heads Tsifrium, a company that develops digital educational materials for public educational institutions, and, starting with the current school year, is launching his own online home school.

During the interview, it became known that Alexey Polovinkin finally left the Foxford business only this year. It also turned out that the company "Tsifrium" took over the management of a private school founded by the construction company "Samolet", which was almost closed, and plans to develop the offline direction.

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Trends observed in 2023, and predictions for 2024 in the field of EdTech for children: views of market participants.

Advice from experts for infopreneurs received at EdTech Expo

These are representatives of the management of companies engaged in educational technologies, as well as specialists with knowledge and experience in the field of information business.

Venue: Infocast broadcasts on the first and second days of EdTech Expo.

This material considers various strategies for attracting a target audience, as well as the current state of the information business market.

In September, Skolkovo hosted a specialized exhibition in the field of online education called EdTech Expo. For two days, the Infocast channel broadcast live from the event, including not only recordings from the exhibition stands, but also interviews with various experts and company leaders. Here are some links to these interviews:

• Anastasia Kirichenko, head of the magazine "Highlights," shares her thoughts on the project and how representatives of the infobusiness can effectively use the social network "VKontakte." She notes that users of this platform are more active compared to Telegram, but the process of creating content has its own characteristics.
• Artem Zakharov, who is the head of PuzzleBrain, shares details about how the marketplace, which is a library of courses on his platform, functions.
• Maxim Vasilevich, COO of GetCourse, shares his vision of the expansion of the infobusiness market and explains how educational institutions are adapting to the slowdown in activity on the YouTube platform.
• Suren Albertyan, who heads the company GoDigital, shares information about those projects that effectively generate traffic from Telegram.
• Oksana Aksenenko, a producer and specialist in the field of customer service, shares recommendations on how to effectively build a customer journey in the infobusiness.

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Infobusiness: 9 ways to turn your knowledge and experience into income.