Digital Academic Environment and Professional Identity Development

Abstract

Self-identity is a structural and dynamic system that develops as one’s living environment expands. During vocational training, professional identity acquires an integrating role in this system. Professional identity develops in the academic environment, which is expanding due to digitalization. The research objective was to identify the features of professional identity development in students in the conditions of academic digitalization and to determine the ways of psychological and pedagogical optimization of this process. The theoretical analysis is based on the general provisions of cultural and historical psychology, as well as on the methodology of the environmental approach in education. The contemporary academic environment demonstrated a lack of interpersonal interaction, which makes it difficult to enter the professional community and identify with it. However, the interactive character of the digital academic environment makes it possible to optimize the process of professional identity development. It comprises various information and communication platforms into a single media environment. Psychological and pedagogical technologies develop awareness and acceptance of professional values in the process of indirect interaction between students, teaching staff, and professionals.