A round table "Russian EdTech: Trends and Prospects" was held at the site of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation. The event was attended by public figures, deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, representatives of the largest educational online platforms and the expert community.
Opening the meeting, Natalya Kravchenko, chairwoman of the commission of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation for the development of preschool, school, secondary vocational educational activities, noted the importance and significance of digital solutions during the pandemic.
“We remember that at the moment when schools closed unexpectedly for everyone in order to protect the health of our children, the industry was at a loss. I would like to say thanks to the conductors of digital content and platforms for the fact that difficult moment for everyone, many opened access to their platforms and educational resources. The children had the opportunity to study without leaving home, and to learn things that are not taught even at school.
At the same time, the school tried to adapt to the sudden conditions that arose. Teachers hurriedly mastered teaching online. Now it is clear that distance learning requires different approaches, a different methodology. You can’t use the methods you use in the classroom to teach children online. Now there is a process of combination of forms. Of course, there is no question of transferring general education to a distance mode. No. But it is already impossible notice and not use those digital solutions and tools that help automate routine processes, diversify classroom lessons and homework, give access to classes to those who, for various reasons, cannot be in class in person,” Kravchenko noted.
Member of the Civic Chamber Sergei Grebennikov pointed out that the development of distance learning platforms can be useful not only for students and parents, but also for teachers. In addition, according to the expert, it is necessary to protect all users of educational platforms from fraudsters.
“Legislators have begun to discuss the creation of a register of unscrupulous “infogypsies”. Now is the time for self-regulation, we need to agree within the industry how we want to license those people who create their personal courses. As a user, I don't always understand if I can take a course with this or that person. We need to think about how we can certify this, so that users understand that by paying money, they will be able to receive quality content. These things need to be developed, and I advocate self-regulation in this matter,” Grebennikov said.
Valentina Kurenkova, Director for Government Affairs of the Netology platform, also pointed out the need for joint work between the state and the industry to develop a standard for online education.
“We fully support the verification of online education as school, preschool, any in general, especially for adults. Problems with bloggers are solved. Not all bloggers are bad, but we are obliged to certify them or introduce labeling,” she said.
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