Russia explores e-learning
Attempts to introduce digital technology to Russian schools were first made a while ago. For example, all textbooks were supposed to be replaced with an e-reader
Dec 25, 2013
Let’s talk about the possibilities technology provides for education. In 2012 a new edition of the federal law on education officially allowed "education through telecommunication hardware." However, it’s one thing to write a law and another thing to actually implement it.
Attempts to introduce digital technology to Russian schools were first made a while ago. For example, all textbooks were supposed to be replaced with an e-reader. And not just some generic one – a product, developed specially for e-learning purposes, with pre-recorded digital textbooks, interactive capabilities, no external connectivity (so that students can’t slack off during class by browsing internet or texting) and even a flexible screen – you know how kids are careless with their stuff. Yes, well, after a grand presentation of the project and an announcement of a trial run, there’s nothing to show for it. You know what they say – not with a bang, but with a whimper. It seems that everyone simply forgot about it.
Other projects came and went, too. Digital gradebooks were hyped as the next best thing which happen to schoolkids and their parents – along with digital access cards, these would allow parents to keep tabs on their children’s attendance and performance, and improve parent-teacher interaction. Again, this has yet to be implemented on a wide scale. However, at least schools have reliable internet access – not everywhere, mind you. Take the "new Moscow" – recently annexed suburban areas. Turns out that while ‘old Moscow’ is connected, ‘new Moscow’ will only go online in three to four years.
Moscow is traditionally seen as the forefront for all things digital here in Russia. It’s a stereotype which is there for a reason, actually – for the most part, it’s true. Most, but not all – and digital education is apparently one of the few exceptions.
Specifically, a remote education project has recently launched in Stavropol Region, allowing children to ‘virtually’ visit school from wherever they are. A total of 34 schools are participating in this endeavor. According to Galina Zubenko, acting Education Minister for the region, the problem of not being able to attend school and, thus, of missing out on education, is especially pressing for disabled children; the region has about four thousand of such kids. Many are homeschooled – teachers find time to visit them at home. However, the official stressed that such education is still lacking and does not provide equal conditions for everyone.
"Currently our educational facilities are equipped with specialized Remote Education Complexes and students, regardless of where they are, can at any moment ask a question and participate in a discussion with classmates," Zubenko said. Sounds pretty amazing – compared to what I had in my day, that is. Naturally, in order to participate in the program, students need internet access, preferably high speed, and a microphone. Not only this equipment allows interactive live access of students to their classes, but it can establish teleconferences with other schools as well.
It’s not as simple as a webcam and a Skype chatroom, by the way – the project utilizes complicated hardware and software. For example, the so-called ‘Eagle Eye Director’ automatically focuses the camera which provides the feed on the person talking at any particular moment.
Attempts to introduce digital technology to Russian schools were first made a while ago. For example, all textbooks were supposed to be replaced with an e-reader. And not just some generic one – a product, developed specially for e-learning purposes, with pre-recorded digital textbooks, interactive capabilities, no external connectivity (so that students can’t slack off during class by browsing internet or texting) and even a flexible screen – you know how kids are careless with their stuff. Yes, well, after a grand presentation of the project and an announcement of a trial run, there’s nothing to show for it. You know what they say – not with a bang, but with a whimper. It seems that everyone simply forgot about it.
Other projects came and went, too. Digital gradebooks were hyped as the next best thing which happen to schoolkids and their parents – along with digital access cards, these would allow parents to keep tabs on their children’s attendance and performance, and improve parent-teacher interaction. Again, this has yet to be implemented on a wide scale. However, at least schools have reliable internet access – not everywhere, mind you. Take the "new Moscow" – recently annexed suburban areas. Turns out that while ‘old Moscow’ is connected, ‘new Moscow’ will only go online in three to four years.
Moscow is traditionally seen as the forefront for all things digital here in Russia. It’s a stereotype which is there for a reason, actually – for the most part, it’s true. Most, but not all – and digital education is apparently one of the few exceptions.
Specifically, a remote education project has recently launched in Stavropol Region, allowing children to ‘virtually’ visit school from wherever they are. A total of 34 schools are participating in this endeavor. According to Galina Zubenko, acting Education Minister for the region, the problem of not being able to attend school and, thus, of missing out on education, is especially pressing for disabled children; the region has about four thousand of such kids. Many are homeschooled – teachers find time to visit them at home. However, the official stressed that such education is still lacking and does not provide equal conditions for everyone.
"Currently our educational facilities are equipped with specialized Remote Education Complexes and students, regardless of where they are, can at any moment ask a question and participate in a discussion with classmates," Zubenko said. Sounds pretty amazing – compared to what I had in my day, that is. Naturally, in order to participate in the program, students need internet access, preferably high speed, and a microphone. Not only this equipment allows interactive live access of students to their classes, but it can establish teleconferences with other schools as well.
It’s not as simple as a webcam and a Skype chatroom, by the way – the project utilizes complicated hardware and software. For example, the so-called ‘Eagle Eye Director’ automatically focuses the camera which provides the feed on the person talking at any particular moment.