Implementation of digital technologies in training the vocational education pedagogues as a modern strategy for modernization of professional education

Abstract

The article presents the results of the theoretical analysis of digitization in vocational education. The possibilities of digitization in the practice of higher education institutions as a mean of developing students’ digital competencies are analyzed. The essence of the concept of ‘digital’ is examined. It is clarified that the rapid development of artificial intelligence in all spheres of human life determines the use of digital technologies in the educational process of higher education institutions. Based on the analysis of the literary sources and educational practice, the methodical features of applying the strategies for the vocational education modernization are outlined: synchronous and asynchronous learning, mobile learning, ‘cloudbased machine learning’, and blended learning in the educational process, in particular during the general questioning of teachers and students. By changing the format of teaching and learning, the digital technologies make information a link between the teacher and the student in the educational process. Working with digital technologies requires a reflexive and critical, yet inquisitive, open and future-oriented attitude to their development. The technologies we have identified stimulate students’ interest in educational activities, develop their logical and creative thinking, and their digital competence. The digital technologies presented fully perform the tasks, which help to make the vocational education specialists competitive in the labor market. According to the results of the survey of teachers and students, the main shortcomings in digitization in the educational process have been revealed. In particular, the lack of students’ training in using digital technologies in self study is confirmed. It is clarified that the low level of digitization is due to insufficient methodological support and improper description of ways of using such technologies in particular didactic situations. It is emphasized that the rapid development of digital technologies and their widespread use in educational activities in recent years provide reasons to forecast optimistically the rapid digitization in higher education institutions.