International Journal of Innovative

Analyses and Emerging Technology

Independent Work of Students in a Virtual Educational Environment

Abstract: Virtual learning has been introduced into educational institutions to meet the needs of
a new generation in the formation of various competencies in today's globalized society. Nowadays,
the virtual educational environment contributes to the development of independent and critical
thinking among students who are ready to adapt in a constantly evolving world, to professional
growth, continuous growth in the quality of knowledge, skills and professional and personal qualities.
Keywords: independent work, virtual environment, educational environment, interactive,
students.

Introduction
The virtual learning environment as a means of effective communication of participants in the
educational process contributes to the transition from the "knowledge" paradigm to "personally-
oriented" education, aimed at developing the creative potential of students, their cognitive activity,
motivation and participation in language classes.
Independent work of students at a particular educational stage is multi-purpose and is aimed at
achieving communicative and educational goals. The main requirement for the successful use of a
virtual environment is the development of creative cognitive abilities, language skills of students
through the use of a virtual environment [3, p. 8].
Scientific and technological progress has led to digitalization, informatization of many aspects of the
activities of modern society. Informatization of society ensures and accelerates the continuous
development and improvement of the intellectual potential of society, thanks to quick access to
sources of reliable information, visibility of the information provided.
Informatization has probably made some changes in the education system. As you know, education is
one of the main institutions for the formation of both the individual and society. Therefore, the study
of the issue of the influence of informatization on various aspects of the educational process seems to
be relevant.
The study of languages is important, since knowledge and command of languages is currently the key
to international cooperation and communication. Therefore, the study of foreign languages requires
careful selection of methodological tools.
The problem of developing the skills of independent work of students was raised in pedagogy by
teachers and researchers of the twentieth century, such as Ushinsky K.D., Kapterev P.F., Vakhterov
V.P. and others. Their works scientifically substantiated and defined a methodology for teaching
schoolchildren to independently obtain information through experiment, observation.
In foreign literature, independent work is often interpreted as “independent and self-regulating
learning” [10, p. 4]. The literature review revealed not only different definitions of the concept of
independent work, but also the substantiation of the advantages of students' independent work in
educational activities. Works by I. Cunningham, J. Hsu, K. Hamilton. J. Van, S. Virtanen emphasize
Published under an exclusive license by open access journals under Volume: 3 Issue: 3 in Mar-2023
Copyright (c) 2023 Author (s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution
License (CC BY).To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

113
 International Journal of Innovative
Analyses and Emerging Technology
| e-ISSN: 2792-4025 | http://openaccessjournals.eu | Volume: 3 Issue: 3
that the cognitive activity of students depends on a number of external and internal factors, among
which the ability to work independently stands out [5, p. 46]. Research conducted by scientists from
the UK and the Netherlands has shown that in the conditions of "self-regulated learning" students
become more motivated and more actively involved in the learning process.
The study of sources of scientific and methodological literature shows the successful experience of
organizing students' independent work using a number of methods and teaching aids. Thus, the
problem of the formation of independent skills in the educational process of the university is analyzed
in the scientific works of D. Pedros, J. Cravino, L. Morgado, C. Barreira. As a teaching aid, a set of
tasks for independent work of students in computer programming was proposed [7, p. 17].
The situation of the coronavirus pandemic, when the greatest emphasis in learning was placed on
independent work, showed the need to develop a system of working methods in a virtual educational
environment. It is necessary to revise not only the tools of work, but also the monitoring and
evaluation system.
Discussion
In connection with the global informatization of education, the concept of "virtual learning
environment" has appeared. In the methodological literature, a virtual educational environment is
interpreted as the use of the communication capabilities of global computer networks for educational
purposes [4, p. 29]. A virtual learning environment is a means of effective communication between
participants in the educational process. The virtual learning environment was explored by such
researchers as V.P. Tikhomirov, A.Yu. Uvarov, A.V. Khutorskoy and others.
The scientist Alexander Yuryevich Uvarov considered the virtual environment as "an open object of
educational architecture with the main goals, methods and organizational forms, which is a plexus of
communicative, informational and physical space" [10, p. 99].
A.V. Khutorskoy believed that the virtual educational environment is, first of all, “a system of
influence and conditions for the formation of a personality according to the scheme of the basic
setting” [13, p. 36]. M.P. Shishkina noted that "virtual learning environment" is a widespread concept,
and different meanings can be attached to this concept or some of its synonyms, for example, as
"software or platform that is used to provide educational services." [15, p. 99]. This environment can
be considered as "a set of integrated learning tools that allows you to manage online learning by
providing an appropriate management mechanism, monitor the progress of student learning, evaluate
learning success and provide access to resources."
According to Professor of the University of Helsinki T. Seppo, “in a virtual environment, information
and communication resources are consistent with the processes of communication and activity,
forming a certain integrity, and are integrated into a single system through which meaningful learning
is supported” [11, p. 537].
The American scientist H. Pimentel emphasized the importance of online learning back in 1999 and
described the virtual space as “a learning environment that allows you to learn, evaluate situations,
perform the actions necessary for learning, carry out the necessary research activities, and also helps
you perform tasks much better than in ordinary, traditional situations” [9, p. 77].
Thus, the virtual learning environment involves, first of all, the interaction of the subjects of the
educational process with information and communication technologies. The role of the virtual learning
environment is inexhaustible for the development of students' independent work skills, if they comply
with all the requirements when using them.

Published under an exclusive license by open access journals under Volume: 3 Issue: 3 in Mar-2023
Copyright (c) 2023 Author (s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution
License (CC BY).To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

114
 International Journal of Innovative
Analyses and Emerging Technology
| e-ISSN: 2792-4025 | http://openaccessjournals.eu | Volume: 3 Issue: 3
Methodically competent use of the virtual learning environment is carried out in compliance with
traditional didactic requirements in accordance with didactic principles, such as ensuring visibility,
scientific character, awareness of the learning process, the requirement for systematic and consistent
learning, as well as the unity of educational and educational functions.
However, in addition to traditional didactic requirements, there are a number of specific conditions for
successful functioning in a virtual learning environment. Based on the experience of implementing
virtual educational environments, the need to ensure the adaptability of the university (virtual learning
environment) is noted, which implies the possibility for students to choose the most appropriate
individual pace of learning the material [2, p. 67].
In the learning process, there is a need for feedback, which means the need for control, the correctness
of the student's actions, and the development of recommendations for his future work.
The virtual learning environment (hereinafter referred to as the VLE) should provide the student with
the possibility of a controlled variety of learning activities in order to gradually increase the intra-
subject level of knowledge at a level of assimilation sufficient for the implementation of algorithmic
and heuristic activities. Also, the requirements for VOS include the condition of efficient and
reasonable use of resources, their verifiability, simplicity, reliability and completeness, in addition, the
possibility of combining electronic and paper media is important [14, p. 52]. However, the main
requirement for methodically correct work in a virtual learning environment is the focus on the state
educational program.
P.I. Under independent work, Pidkasty understood the performance of work by a university student,
which is a specific pedagogical means of organizing, managing and controlling cognitive activity in
the educational process [8, p. 118]. In addition, independent work is a means of involving students in
independent cognitive activity.
A.G. Molibog highlights the principles of organizing students' independent work at a university [6, p.
159]:
 limitation of any independent tasks in terms of volume and time;
 creation of favorable conditions for students to perform independent work;
 Independent work management.
Particular attention is paid to independent work in the case of using a modular education system at the
university. It is there that the organization of independent work and the means of its implementation
play a paramount role, since the number of hours according to the curriculum allotted for this type of
activity often exceeds the amount of classroom work with a teacher by several times. However, the
concept of “module” is quite new for pedagogical science, in this regard, it can be noted that its
textbook definition has not even fully developed (S.Ya. Batyshev, O.G. Kukosyan, P.A.
Yutsyavichene, etc. ), while the obvious advantages of modular learning include [1, p. 31]:
 logically structured content of educational material;
 A well-formed algorithm for assessing and monitoring the assimilation of knowledge, which allow,
if necessary, to flexibly adjust the educational process.
Discussion results
Thus, the specific content of the virtual learning environment may vary depending on the level of
training of students, their individual interests. The main requirement for the successful use of a virtual
environment is the availability of the entire set of resources for students through a single entry point,
and, of course, the data must be synchronized with the teacher's computer to monitor the process. The
Published under an exclusive license by open access journals under Volume: 3 Issue: 3 in Mar-2023
Copyright (c) 2023 Author (s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution
License (CC BY).To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

115
 International Journal of Innovative
Analyses and Emerging Technology
| e-ISSN: 2792-4025 | http://openaccessjournals.eu | Volume: 3 Issue: 3
virtual learning environment also has a content management function: its development, storage and
use; planning and scheduling classes, evaluating results, as well as personalizing learning;
administration and student involvement. This means controlled access to information about students
and monitoring of their progress and achievements; communication and cooperation.
Conclusions
Summarizing all of the above, it follows that the very presence of information technology in the
learning process changes the internal specifics of the educational and cognitive activity of students,
their style of thinking, and the psychological mechanisms of mental development. At the same time,
the computer acts only as a “smart” tool, and the interaction of the participants in the educational
process with modern technologies comes to the fore.
The virtual learning environment is an effective means of forming and developing students'
independent work. In this context, priority is given to the professionalism and competence of the
teacher. His ability to methodically competently organize the work of students with a virtual
environment creates optimal conditions for a productive educational process.
The development of students' independent work skills and the improvement of their cognitive abilities
open up great opportunities in the formation of competitive specialists.
References
1. Batyshev S.Ya. Block-modular training. - M.: Trans-service, 1997. - 225 p.
2. Kalmykov D.A., Khachaturov L.A. Experience in the implementation of virtual educational
environments // School technologies - School technology, - M.: 2002. - 667 p.
3. Cunningham I. Teaching leadership - self-managed learning and how scientists resist
understanding the process // Development and learning in organizations. - M.: 2010. - S. 4-6.
4. Mamedova K.A. Virtual educational environment as a necessary component of the modern
education system // Internet magazine "Jeydos" - Internet magazine "Eidos". 1999. - S. 9-11.
5. Mezhere V. What is independent learning and what are the benefits for students? // London:
Department for Children, Schools and Families Report, 2008. URL:
http://docplayer.net/12844512-What-is-independent-learning-and-what-are-the-benefits-for
student.html.
6. Molibog A.G. Questions of the scientific organization of pedagogical work in higher education. -
Minsk: Higher School, 1975. - 197 p.
7. Pedrosa D., Cravino J., Morgado L., Barreira C. // Self-regulated learning in computer
programming: strategies, admission of students during the assignment // 2016. - P. 87-101.
8. Pidkasy P.I. Organization of educational and cognitive activity of students. - M.: Pedagogical
Society of Russia, 2005. - 245 p.
9. Pimentel J. R. Designing network learning systems based on experimental learning // Journal of
the asynchronous learning network, - M.: 1999. - P. 64-90.
10. Sarekenova K.K. Organization of independent work of students on credit // Procedures - social
and behavioral sciences - Procedures - Social and behavioral sciences. - M.: 2015. - S. 274-278.
11. Seppo T. Pedagogical thinking of students and the use of ICT in teaching // Scandinavian Journal
of Educational Research - Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 2011. - P. 537-550.

Published under an exclusive license by open access journals under Volume: 3 Issue: 3 in Mar-2023
Copyright (c) 2023 Author (s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution
License (CC BY).To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

116
 International Journal of Innovative
Analyses and Emerging Technology
| e-ISSN: 2792-4025 | http://openaccessjournals.eu | Volume: 3 Issue: 3
12. Uvarov A.Yu. Open educational architecture // Internet magazine "Jeydos" - Internet magazine
"Eidos". - M.: 1999. - S. 7-9.
13. Khutorskoy, A.V. Pedagogical innovation. Moscow: Academy; University book. - M.: 2008. - S.
33-38.
14. Chervyakova Ya.I., Chibisova O.V. Electronic textbook as a means of new information
technologies // International Journal of Experimental Education - International Journal of
Experimental Education. - M.: 2010. - S. 52-53.
15. Shishkina M.P. Innovative technologies in the development of the educational and research
environment of an educational institution // Educational technologies and society. Educational
technologies and society. - M.: 2013. - S. 98-100.

Published under an exclusive license by open access journals under Volume: 3 Issue: 3 in Mar-2023
Copyright (c) 2023 Author (s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution
License (CC BY).To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

117