University Online: How Distance Learning Continues at MAI
Since March 17, all students of Moscow Aviation Institute have completely switched to the distance learning mode. The students began to gain new knowledge on the e-learning platform LMS (Learning Management System) MAI and using the Microsoft Teams (MT) service.
The transition to a completely remote format was completed for Moscow Aviation Institute in the normal mode: all courses and activities that can be implemented online are conducted in full. Training materials are available, a system for assessing student learning activity and monitoring tasks is formed.
The MAI transition to online has led to an increase in the load on the LMS MAI and its integrated video conferencing system. In order to distribute the load on the LMS MAI system and ensure the quality of service, the university carried out work on the separation of servers and on tuning monitoring and virtualization systems to current needs. At the moment, the training system can withstand up to 2,000 users at the same time and can be scaled to work at higher loads.
The MAI PR Department interviewed the Head of the MAI E-Learning Support and Monitoring Department, Pyotr Ukhov, and found out what changes occurred in the training management system in two weeks.
MAI Schools and Branches Go Online
According to Pyotr Ukhov, all MAI schools and departments mastered the technology of working online, and the number of materials and online courses posted almost doubled by the end of the second week of use.
“On April 2, 5448 courses were posted at the LMS MAI platform, and this despite the fact that in the first week of fully distance learning, about 3000 courses were created,” says Pyotr Ukhov. “Moreover, in each course there is activity in the form of forums, video conferences, tests, tasks, links and other educational objects.”
Active work was carried out with the branches of Moscow Aviation Institute. So, the Stupinsky branch and the Strela branch were connected to the LMS system and placed their materials, the branches Vzlet (materials on more than 90 disciplines) and Voskhod (about 20 disciplines) were actively involved in the work, and three departments of the MAI department “Rocket and Space Technology” altogether laid out about 70 disciplines in secondary vocational education programs. Education at LMS was even launched by the Department of Physical Education, and the Center for Additional Vocational Training launched several online educational programs at once. The MAI Center for Physics and Mathematics School and Pre-University School have also switched to a distance learning mode.
Benefits of LMS MAI for Educators
To help teachers, the training course on working with LMS was finalized. Now the access to all sections is unlimited, and teaching staff can view their questions in a convenient mode.
“Video instructions have been added to the training course on the use of LMS for teaching staff, since there were a lot of questions about the placement of materials and the creation of video lectures. More than 300 educators are currently undergoing training. Great progress is visible. If earlier they had simple tasks, for example, of creating a course template, trying to fill it with content, then now they do everything in full “combat” mode and send reports on the work done. Based on the results, a retraining course is possible, which is not unimportant for teachers,” says Pyotr Ukhov.
Vacation is not a Hindrance to Study
Despite the fact that the past week was formally declared vacation, MAI students continued to work actively in LMS. Over the past week, about 8,000 students visited the portal. Actively LMS during the holidays was used by the students who study English, intensively went online consultations with teachers on the future diploma for IT graduate students.
“During the holiday week, I had work with first-year students of IT master’s degree program in monitoring project activities. The interaction takes place online and resembles working in an audience: the whole group is present, one student tells the teacher about his work, the rest listen, can ask questions. “The students and I discussed the problem statement, goals and objectives for work and the progress of their implementation,” says Pyotr Ukhov. “We also conducted laboratory classes on the theory of machines and mechanisms through video-conference communication. The result of the work is a completed form and a mechanism designed in accordance with the specified parameters in Solidworks. The work takes place online, that is, you can see how the process of such design is going and the assembly of the mechanism is carried out.”
Recall that for organizational purposes related to preventing the spread of a new coronavirus disease, on April 6, MAI students continued their distance learning in full mode.
