Abstract:

The paper presents an overview of the latest trends in the application of modern IT technologies in the training process.

Education is increasingly becoming high-tech. Under the conditions of digitalization and current society transformation Russian University of Transport faces the need to initiate new teaching and learning methodologies and technologies. The goal is to merge traditional educational approach with innovative technologies. Digitalization of the economy inevitably results in digitalization of the educational process aimed at training specialists to meet the needs of the market, as well as increasing the efficiency of the educational process, making it clearer, more transparent and interesting for students. With modern gadgets and interfaces, a student can now initiate learning based on his or her need, preferences and availability. Mobile apps development for education unleashed a new way of need-based learning.

At present market share of online education in Russia exceeds 20.7 billion rubles, in 2021 it is expected to increase more than twice, up to 53.3 billion rubles.
The following global trends have had a profound impact on education and resulted in its transformation:
- explosive growth of technological innovations and any time anywhere available information.
- wide use of social networks which leads to the integration of previously disparate services and a significant increase in the volume of communication between people;
- generation change - generations Y and Z that grew up in the era of "mobile devices and the Internet" will soon determine the behavior of society as a whole.

Innovative technology has provided teachers and students with a new and enhanced way of interaction. The use of new technologies is changing the traditional way of training and results in the emergence of new professions and the transformation of the existing ones.

Under such conditions, digitalization of education allows us to overcome the traditional restrictions, such as:
- a heterogeneous students group, with students having different background and abilities to master the program;
- the need to provide an individual approach to each student;
- impossibility or limited student's choice of disciplines or teachers.

At the Institute of Economics and Finance (IEF) of Russian University of Transport, the digital educational environment has a modular system that includes both the website of the University and other resources. Distance learning portal plays an important part in the introduction of digital technologies. Distance learning technologies are used in various fields of IEF activities: higher education, advanced training, R & D. Mobile AR, VR and voice technologies are creating more interactive learning experience. Of many emerging technologies, 3D technology stands out as one of the keys to building the training pattern of the future as a part of traditional e-learning, simulation and training with elements of gamification. The Institute is developing a promising innovative tool – training in 3D format using a virtual reality helmet and special manipulators.

Introduction of 3D simulators in the training process is based on the methodology comprising several tools;
- electronic contents to study the theory of the subject,
- virtual “excursions” to study true-life transport processes;
- 3D trainings to develop practical skills.

An AI-powered education platform is to improve students’ engagement with global culture, science and engineering. Recently IEF has joined the National Platform for Open Education and is launching some new programs.
Thus one can conclude that the application of modern IT technologies and the above-mentioned methodology increases the efficiency of the training process as well as making it more student oriented.

Keywords:

AI-powered education platform ducation, digitalization, Innovative technology,digital educational environment, 3D technology, a modular system.