Technologies of E-learning for journalists: experience of integrating SC Training platform (EdApp)

Abstract

The experience of online learning became significantly more relevant in 2020 due to the COVID-19
pandemic and the shift to remote learning. Even after returning to in-person classes, educators did not
abandon some forms of distance learning; Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) remained an impor-
tant part of virtual teaching portfolios. This format is inclusive, convenient, and a constantly evolving en-
vironment for managing educational resources. It attracts users with its easy-to-plan schedule, a variety
of formats, and most importantly, the ability to make learning interesting and engaging.
This article describes the experience of a group of MOOC developers from Al-Farabi Kazakh Na-
tional University who launched and tested the course “Central Asian Region: Journalism Education on
Migration Issues” on the innovative SC Training (EdApp) platform. The goal of the study is to evaluate the
effectiveness of the chosen platform, conduct a qualitative analysis of student and teacher feedback, and
describe the methodology and tools of SC Training as an integrative resource in journalism education.
The research methods used include the analysis of measurable empirical data obtained through
surveys, questionnaires, live interviews, experimental testing, and assessment of the effectiveness of skill
acquisition. The authors also used universal methods of segmenting primary and secondary information,
gaming aspects of pedagogical forms, and their own experience in using innovative digital resources.
As a result of the study, the authors conclude that there is a high demand for new ways of giving
knowledge through mobile formats (mobile-first), a positive response from students to innovative gaming
educational resources, and the prospects for the development of this branch of online education due to
its compactness, dynamism and proximity to the young audience’s needs.