Digital Transformation in Vocational Education:Present Situation,Problems,and Countermeasures

Digital transformation has become a crucial part in the modernization of vocational education,gaining considerable attention.Presently,guided by relevant national policies and projects,digital transformation in vocational education has yielded remarkable outcomes,specifically in digital supporting conditions,innovative teaching and learning methods,digital teaching proficiency,digital governance frameworks and models,and digital systems and mechanisms.Nevertheless,digital transformation in vocational education is challenged by a multitude of demands.They include advancing students’learning capability and initiative,further integrating information technology into teaching,updating and upgrading the essence and level of digital teaching proficiency,raising data-driven management and service abilities,leveling up digital supporting conditions,and improving digital systems and mechanisms.Thus,during the 14th Five-Year Plan period,a significant upgrade in digital vocational education should be made by enhancing the strategic comprehension and developmental stance of digital transformation,adopting a rational view on digital transformation,and elucidating the ideas and strategies pertaining to digital transformation.

Using Social Interaction to Invert the Professional Competencies of Future Architects

The article analyzes the results of a sociological study of the role of public and interdisciplinary communications for formation and inversion of architect’s competences.The study was carried out in 2021-2022 among students of architecture departments in Russia.About 3,000 students of the Moscow Architectural Institute(State Academy)and the Orel State University took part in the study.As a result of processing the data of the written questionnaire with correlation relationships,the potential of“external”educational communications was identified for acquisition of new professional knowledge and competencies in architecture;popularization of socially important ideas in architecture and spatial development;raising a sense of pride and respect for urban historical and cultural heritage;enhancing the prestige of the architectural profession and the status of architectural education;understanding social expectations of architectural activities and factors limiting implementation of projects;identifying factors influencing formation of strategies for the development of architectural education.Four stages of formation and inversion of professional competences in the educational process were singled out:1st-2nd years of training-an“orientation period”;3rd-4th years-the level of Bachelor of Science in Architecture,at which the groundwork of the professional thinking basics is laid-a stage of mastering the basic system-design skills;5th year(diploma thesis)-a stage of entry into creative practice;training at the level of Master of Science in Architecture-scientific-design practice in architecture.Issues concerning underrating the importance of future architects’involvement in joint activities with community and engineering professions representatives to realize the goals of sustainable development were identified;late awareness of the value of participation in volunteer programs.