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Innovation, Growth Points and Resources in Supplementary Education Discussed at the Academy of Digital Technologies

Representatives of the education sector of St. Petersburg and Belarus discussed the major challenges in teaching at the Open Scientific and Practical Conference "Supplementary Education. Innovation, Growth Points, Resources". The conference took place in the Academy of Digital Technologies within the framework of the XII St. Petersburg International Educational Forum.

Heads of educational institutions, methodologists, school teachers, supplementary education teachers, tutors, facilitators, researchers and representatives of the executive authorities participated in the event.

Teachers and methodologists of the Pushkinsky and Petrogradsky District (St. Petersburg) took part in the "Development of the supplementary education system in the context of systemic changes" session and shared their experience in implementing educational programmes. The participants spoke about the priorities they set to ensure that teaching methods and content are updated, improved and are more engaging.

The conference also touched upon the following topics: digitalisation of the educational process, industry and knowledge integration within one association, the optimal learning path for teachers and institutions, personality-oriented teaching methods, "Teachburg" – professional development for teachers, new lesson formats and using messengers and internet platforms to communicate with students.
During this session the Academy of Digital Technologies and the Republic of Belarus agreed on a cooperation plan to develop advanced training courses collaboratively.

Presentation topics included: "Modern trends in the development of the supplementary education system in the Russian Federation" and "Ways and prospects for interaction in terms of development of tutor support in supplementary education, including online learning and the use of digital educational resources and platforms".

The first section was presented by Oksana Goncharova, Director of the National Centre for Artistic Creativity and Humanitarian Technologies, and Dmitry Kovalyov, Director of the Academy of Digital Technologies. Oksana Goncharova emphasised the role of the state in supplementary education development in Russia. Director of the Academy of Digital Technologies continued this topic and presented the regional innovation platform. Dmitry Kovalyov spoke about the involvement of students in student technology clubs and participation in large state projects such as the National Technological Olympiad, WorldSkills championship, "Ticket to the Future".

There was also a discussion on the topics of engaging students in the learning process and the new role of a tutor in the learning environment and career guidance. People working at St. Petersburg educational institutions shared their ideas, observations and opinions on updating methodological work formats.

Valery Volkov, Deputy Director for Research of the Academy of Digital Technologies, expressed his opinion on the topic: "Lessons and educational programmes in supplementary education, compared to general education, have a special mood and atmosphere. At the same time, providing high-quality education is only possible if general education is integrated with the supplementary one. I would like to emphasise the importance of institutional cooperation between schools and other educational institutions in solving this issue and improving education.

A crucial development factor and resource in the learning environment is the transparency of St. Petersburg schools and the readiness to accept professional help and support."