Psychological, pedagogical, and digital aspects of distance learning in Kazakhstan in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The article provides an assessment by the participants of the educational process (students, teachers, administration) of the transition to distance learning in educational organizations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on a survey conducted in all regions of Kazakhstan. The results of the study showed that the emergency transition of universities to distance learning in connection with the pandemic declared by WHO had a significant impact on the quality and organization of the pedagogical process. This is largely due to the insufficient level of readiness of the relevant state bodies to ensure the material and technical transition to distance learning linked to the previous low rates of digitalization of infrastructure and the ways of interaction between relevant government agencies and educational institutions of the country. Most of the students studied using a smartphone, which signals the lack of a high-quality and efficient educational online platform. The results of the study revealed the need for diversified psychological, pedagogical, and methodological training of teachers in the framework of cyber pedagogy.