Remote learning technologies in biology lessons

In the modern world of digitalization, special attention is paid to education. O. V. Zhigulina describes the relevance of this process in her work.

The education system faces a global challenge – to prepare people in a timely manner for new living conditions and professional activities in a highly automated information environment. It must ensure the formation of new knowledge and skills that people will need in the new information environment, as well as a new, holistic worldview and information-based perspective [2, p. 63-65].

The modernization of general education schools has led to the creation of a wide variety of forms and methods for working with electronic resources. Acquiring knowledge in general education subjects has become much easier, and teachers have gained the opportunity to form knowledge, skills, and competencies in various disciplines by using more visual aids.

Along with the development of information technologies, another effective tool for acquiring knowledge has emerged – remote learning technologies. As E. De Bono believes, technology is the process of producing something useful based on the application of knowledge, and the main function of technology is to implement theory into practice [1].

Initially, distance technologies consisted of a set of lectures that could be viewed online. A major leap in the development of distance learning in our country was triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Distance technologies were introduced not gradually and sequentially, but as an urgent measure. After significant restrictions were imposed on the educational process, all teachers in our country began searching for the most effective and productive forms and methods of working remotely. This served as a kind of testing of previously developed forms of work and an impetus for the introduction of new, more advanced ones that address the main tasks of education.

The field of distance education lies at the intersection of technology and education, and in the future, it may undergo significant changes, as new tools emerge every year to ease the work of creators of this learning format and maximize content visualization, making it understandable and comfortable for comprehension [4, p. 278-280].

Distance learning is divided into two types:

1. Synchronous – the educational process occurs in real time. All participants engage in live communication.
2. Asynchronous – each participant in the educational process works at their own convenience. This type of learning is often used in universities and colleges. The instructor provides access to assignments on a specific course platform, and students complete the tasks according to their individual schedules.

The flexibility of asynchronous learning allows students to create and consume content at their convenience, and learning materials can be accessed anytime and anywhere [3, p. 132-134].

This type of learning requires students to be highly motivated to master the course and to possess self-organization skills.

The types of distance learning in biology lessons include:

• Video calls;
• Online textbooks;
• Digital educational resources;
• Interactive assignments.

Lessons in the form of video calls can take place on various platforms such as Zoom, Yandex.Telemost, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The most popular platform for conducting online lessons has become VK Messenger, which allows communication through the educational profile of Sferum.

This platform enables all participants in the educational process to immerse themselves in a virtual school through role distribution. The roles in "Sferum" are divided into the following positions: administrator, teacher, student, and parent.

The administrator's task is to coordinate all processes within their school on the platform. They can invite students and teachers, as well as add and edit school information.

Teachers can create subject-specific chats, invite students to these chats, conduct online lessons, and send necessary materials for the educational process via chat messages.

Parents confirm their child's registration on the platform. Throughout the educational process, parents can maintain communication with their child and teachers through video calls and private messages.

Online textbooks for biology lessons can be presented as standard PDF textbooks, which can be downloaded to a device for convenient study.

The following resources can also be used to deliver theoretical material:

1. Club – this educational resource includes thematic articles, practical recommendations, and tests to reinforce the material.
2. Russian Electronic School – this resource not only allows for the study of theoretical material but also provides video lessons on the topic, as well as small self-assessment tests for some topics.
3. YaKlass – a digital educational resource for students, teachers, and parents.
4. ru – an online platform featuring Olympiads for students in various subjects.

Interactive assignments are exercises developed by the teacher independently and presented to students as a link to a resource. Joint problem-solving during video conferences is also possible.

Specialized online services allow for the development of various types of interactive exercises for biology lessons:

1. Wordwall – an online service where you can create not only interactive but also printable materials.
2. LearningApps – a completely free online service for creating interactive assignments and exercises.
3. Vznaniya – a constructor for creating interactive assignments for lessons.
4. OnlineTestPad – a free service for creating online tests, surveys, logic games, and interactive simulators.
5. eTreniki – a free online service for creating educational simulators.

In conclusion, it can be noted that the use of distance learning technologies in the educational process holds great promise. Distance learning can become a convenient tool for children with disabilities who may face challenges in attending traditional educational settings. However, it is important to understand that computer-based learning can never fully replace live interaction with a teacher. When planning the educational process, distance learning can be used as an additional method of interaction with students who are absent due to illness or other reasons. Individual tasks from the services listed above can be used both during lessons and as homework. Thus, for the success of the educational process, distance learning technologies must be integrated with traditional forms of work. A balanced combination of traditional educational standards and the modern capabilities of distance technologies will help increase students' interest and motivation in learning activities.