Designing Online Learning Environment: ICT Tools and Teaching Strategies

Abstract

The authors analyze the capabilities of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and e-learning tools applied in the educational process through all levels of Higher Education in Russia: Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Programmes and Professional Training. The article is based on the data obtained during the study organized at Sevastopol State University, Lomonosov Moscow State University Branch in Sevastopol, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Institute of Foreign Languages (Simferopol) and S.I. Georgievsky Medical Academy in 2019. The participants of the research were undergraduate students, educators and applicants of further Professional Training programmes. The research aimed at the analysis of ICT and e-learning tools used to design online learning environment at university. The study included a survey to identify e-learning tools applied by students and professors in educational process. The authors also specify blended learning peculiarities in Higher Education. The results showed that ICT and e-learning tools are widely used at universities to manage educational process, establish various forms of communication and interaction, to conduct an assessment and evaluate progress, to organize team projects in blended learning. ICT and online educational services are also applied to develop students’ language and professional skills. Keywords: online learning, e-learning tools, blended learning, teaching strategies, autonomy.