Online learning tools as an instrument for digital transformation of engineering education

Abstract

During the teaching of engineering disciplines, there is a need for new approaches that are associated with interdisciplinary training and the use of modern technologies. Widespread using online learning tools in modern conditions caused by a pandemic and a full-scale invasion and can be provided in the online educational environment of a higher education institution. As online learning practices and the technological tools to deliver them change, such learning continues to evolve. Modern applicants of higher education must possess a base of theoretical knowledge, be able to operate modern digital media communication technologies, and use advanced learning achievements in the digital environment. The content of education in universities is determined, on the one hand, by the globalization processes of the world, and on the other hand, by the emergence of new technologies in professional education. The purpose of the study is the implementation of online learning tools as a tool for the transformation of engineering education in modern conditions and experimental verification of the feasibility of using the proposed tools in the context of engineering education. The research methodology involved the analysis and generalization of scientific, pedagogical, methodical sources and empirical methods, as well as the analysis of the obtained results. A study was conducted before the implementation of the developed technology and after the completion of the experiment. It involved an analysis of the quality of knowledge of higher education applicants while studying engineering disciplines in the online learning environment of a higher education institution. The obtained results before and after the experiment were checked using a statistical calculation. The use of audiovisual materials is growing exponentially. Interactive video-based learning offers a much higher level of immersion in the learning process in online learning environments and learning experiences in platforms of distance education. Theoretical knowledge or classroom work supplemented with interactive practical or laboratory tasks provide an opportunity to use visualization methods. The development of new technologies, the computerization of all branches of the economy, science and education requires, on the one hand, the creation and implementation of new information tools and technologies, and on the other hand, due to problems with their use in professional activity, it is necessary to implement new approaches in the training of future specialists. The technology of implementing online learning tools in the conditions of digital transformation of engineering education is presented. In the context of the outlined technology, the acquisition of professional competences in engineering disciplines in the conditions of an online educational environment is considered, online learning tools are presented in the preparation of applicants of higher education in engineering specialties of agricultural educational institutions. In the context of the proposed technology there are outlined the use of simulation tools in the performance of practical and laboratory work in engineering disciplines, the creation of educational test simulators for applicants of higher education in engineering specialties, application of the monitoring system of the online learning environment in the system of engineering education. The rationale for the effectiveness of using online learning tools in the context of the digital transformation of engineering education is presented. The training of future engineers requires a systematic analysis of the degree of assimilation of knowledge at various stages of education, the acquisition of competences by profession, and stimulation of oneself as a specialist for further self-improvement. The presentation of the content of the education should take into account the degree of complexity of the tasks in the context of acquiring competencies and the use of interactive tools for correcting the knowledge of future engineers. The study makes it possible to assert that in modern conditions there is a need to introduce online learning tools as an instrument for the transformation of engineering education in modern conditions and experimental verification of the feasibility of using the proposed tools in the context of engineering education, which can be used to improve the quality of training engineers.