June 3-10, 2018 master classes and workshops were held for Ukrainian Universities, participating of the project “Modernization of Pedagogical Higher Education by Innovative Teaching Instruments” (MoPED) of the EU Erasmus + KA2 Project – Development of the Capacity of Higher Education, No. 586098-EPP -1-2017-1-UAEPPKA2-CBHE-JP at the University of Cyprus. Staff at University of Cyprus prepared meaningful and informative materials and practical exercises. Professor Marios Polycarpou manages all activities with the help of Aspirant Maria Irakleus.
The Ukrainian team was represented by: Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Gregory Skovoroda Pereyaslav-Khmelnytsky State Pedagogical University, Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University, South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky, Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University.
From Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University took part in studies: Nataliia Morze – Vice-Rector on Informational Technologies, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine – Project Manager; Vasylenko Svitlana – Deputy Head on the Content and Research of IT in Education Laboratory; Gladun Mariia – Senior Lecturer of the Department of Information Technologies and Mathematical Sciences of the Faculty of Information Technology and Management; Vember Viktoriia – PhD in Pedagogy, Assosiate Professor of Department of Computer Science and Mathematics.
During the studies, participants got acquainted with the educational system of the Republic of Cyprus, the structure of the educational process, scientific work at the University of Cyprus. The training included series of workshops and practical training sessions:
• “Thinking outside the box or The Black-box activity”,
• “Using Go-Lab to Promote Learning Based on Research,”
• “Technology education in high school”,
• “Tools for organizing students practice”,
• “Computer applications for science education in elementary school”.
Participants tested methods of using primary-school manipulators for organizing study of UV-filter glasses, measuring temperature dynamics during chemical reactions, changing the behaviour of the environment (for example, the ice-water system) under the influence of extraneous substances, etc.
Studied the experience of Cypriot colleagues in using the Phet. Colorado platform and the Graasp environment for the implementation of digital technologies in mathematical education and science at elementary school. We learned how to use the Blackboard electronic education platform to manage online course.
The presentation by Georg Kapos on the organization of the pedagogical practice for students was very useful. He noted that students use the Blackboard Online Learning Platform, where they host their lessons plans and can analyze video group work or discuss practices and certain falls. In demonstrated videos, we saw that the teacher is a facilitator of discussion, he does not impose his opinion, students competences have friendly constructive communication with the aim to correct mistakes and that stimulates their professional development.
Professor Charul Angeli presented her scientific view on the ways of teaching students to form competencies of critical thinking.
The delegation of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University again assured in right way of implementation educational video. For example, Cypriot colleagues showed examples of digital practice integration – the use of video for literacy and the ability to analyze printed and audio materials.
All activities were useful and informative. The lecturers demonstrated innovative methods and technologies in organizing students work, sharing interesting educational resources for developing the skills of the 21st century and modernizing the educational process.
