“Simulators are not just a digital product.” NCSPU author’s developments presented at International scientific and practical conference “Herzen readings: psychological research in education”

The VII International scientific and practical conference “Herzen readings: psychological research in education” started today. Irina Zakharova, the head of NCSPU Department of the Theory and Methods of Primary and Preschool Education, and the head of NCSPU Department of Mathematics and Physics Elmira Galyamova gave their presentations at the section “The psychology of the subjects of education and professional activities in the conditions of digitalization.” The experts spoke about the influence of digitalization on the teenagers: about the new phenomena of digital socialization, about the advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies in education, about the influence of education media on the quality of learning. They also tackled the issues relating to the students’ self-aggression in the media space and its prevention.

Chelny State Pedagogical University gave a presentation on “Digital simulators in professional education.” The development of digital technologies allowed the researchers to implement the idea - the creation of a domestic software application “A digital simulator of a pedagogical activity.” Three models of digital simulators have been created so far. The first one is “A digital simulator of a pedagogical activity” represents a math lesson scenario in a primary school. The second model “A digital simulator to solve a geometric problem’ is a more complicated system which consists of two components: a simulator and the geometric problem solving process. The third one is “A digital simulator with disabled children” which offers a lesson in the class where there is a pupil with a speech disorder.

Currently, NCSPU project group together with the colleagues from Herzen University is developing the fourth model of a simulator of the first parents’ conference in primary school. The researchers noted the relevance of the development for the preparation of teachers including village school teachers.

“The professional skills that are built with the help of a simulator meet the requirements of a pedagogical core which is being implemented in all pedagogical establishments. The model of a lesson and a parents’ conference was worked out in line with the national standards. It is important to note that we developed not just a digital product but also a design technology that can be promoted and scaled which can increase the results’ potential,” said Irina Zakharova.

The work of the VII International scientific and Practical Conference will be held from October 30 to October 31.