IT Competence Research Articles

Using MOOCs to organise problem-based learning in the professional training of IT students

Introduction. The digital transformation of education plays a key role in the formation of in-demand IT specialists. In modern conditions, the method of problem-oriented learning is actively being introduced into the educational process of higher education and contributes to the formation of professional, communicative and digital competencies of IT students.Aim. The present research aimed to validate the incorporation of massive open online course (MOOC) components in the organisation of problem-oriented training for IT students to enhance their professional competencies.Methodology and research methods. The study was conducted over two academic years, beginning in 2022, at Academician E. A. Buketov Karaganda University. A total of 24 teachers participated in the specialised training of IT students, along with 86 students participated. At the first stage, a model was developed to integrate MOOCs into the structure of a specialised IT discipline within the framework of a specialised IT discipline, utilising problem-oriented learning. Additionally, the baseline level of students’ readiness to engage with MOOC courses was assessed. At the second stage, the effectiveness of utilising MOOC courses for implementing problem-oriented learning in the study of IT disciplines was assessed. At the third stage, the results were summarised and conclusions were drawn.Results and scientific novelty. The approaches to the organisation of problem-based learning in the preparation of IT students were defined. The use of Coursera MOOCs as the most convenient platform for studying IT courses was justified. A model of MOOC integration into the structure of an academic discipline in the organisation of problem-oriented learning was developed and experimentally tested.Practical significance. The results of an empirical study of student involvement in the use of MOOCs in problem-based learning prove the functionality of Coursera MOOC courses and their positive impact on the learning process. The feasibility of utilising MOOCs for implementing problem-oriented training aimed at developing students’ professional IT competencies is well-supported.

Use of digital technologies in the activity of medical institutions

Introduction. Significant transformations are taking place in modern medicine: digitalization and re–equipment, changing standards of care — all this requires the availability of new IT competencies for medical professionals. The involvement of “non-doctors” (IT specialists) compensates for the needs of medical institutions, but qualitative changes in the training process of modern medical workers are necessary to solve the problem. The purpose is to study the needs for new competencies for medical professionals (IT doctors) and the need to attract “non—doctors” in modern conditions of digitalization of medicine. Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of secondary information obtained from the Federal Statistical Observation Form No. 30 and digital resources, as well as on the results of a mass questionnaire survey conducted in medical institutions of the Moscow Department of Health (n = 1499). Results. “Non-doctors” with IT competencies are increasingly in demand. The survey showed that certain functions of medical specialists can already be “transferred” to non-medical personnel, whose growth rate has exceeded 60% over the past 10 years. However, the training system provides the necessary IT competencies to a greater extent in technical specialties and to a lesser extent in medical ones. Research limitations. The analysis uses statistical data and the results of a mass questionnaire survey in medical institutions of the Moscow Healthcare Department, which is a representative sample for approximating the results for the entire general population. Conclusion. In the near future, it is necessary to train doctors according to new standards. The modernization of the training system taking into account new IT competencies in medicine and the development of the LongLife Learning (LLL) training system are becoming a reality. The increasing involvement of “non-doctors” to solve high-tech problems, the development of hardware and software complexes is undeniable. However, it is necessary to adapt them to the specifics of the industry development.

Navigating Digital Transformation in the UAE: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Directions in the Public Sector

Digital transformation is a process in which the latest technologies are used in various business fields to keep pace with continuous changes. It involves the strategic and profound integration of digital technologies into an organization’s core business operations, processes, and models. In this study, a quantitative approach was used to study the impact of DT adoption on public sector transformational change projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The diffusion of innovation theory (DIT) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model (UTAUT) were used in the factor analysis. This study highlights that digital transformation initiatives in the UAE have benefited from a strategic alignment with government initiatives, such as AI and blockchain strategies. However, public sector organizations face challenges, such as the high costs of technology adoption and cybersecurity risks during integration with legacy systems. The significance of social influence, including elements like use behavior and behavioral intention, was identified as essential for digital transformation, suggesting the importance of technology in job performance. Similarly, digital transformation projects improve IT competence and reduce resistance to change among leaders and individuals. The findings underscore the importance of investing in infrastructure and continuous IT training to sustain digital transformation. More studies are required across specific sectors to further explore the impact and scalability of DT initiatives in the UAE public sector.

Teachers' perspectives on the webex online platform for secondary education during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece

In this study, we examine the impact of Information Systems (IS) on the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the utilisation of the "Webex" online platform within the Greek educational system. This assessment aims to evaluate the platform's impact on organisational performance within this industry, particularly focusing on teachers' perspectives. This paper presents original quantitative research exploring how technological advancements have facilitated distance learning driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research is important because it highlights the challenges faced by Greece, as shown by the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) indicators [1]. In 2019, Greece ranked 26th out of 28 Member States, indicating outdated infrastructure and a lack of training among educators. Additionally, the country experienced a "brain drain" as a result of the 2008 Greek financial crisis, leading to skilled educators leaving the country [2]. The adoption of distance learning at the secondary education level in Greece presents unique challenges as well as opportunities, according to the research. The novelty of this study is its focus on primary data gathered from secondary school teachers in relation to the country's technological and other challenges. It provides insights into the real-world application and effectiveness of the Webex platform in an unprecedented situation. The study contributes to new knowledge by providing a detailed understanding of teachers' IT competency, their perceptions of online education, and the state's support (or lack thereof). It also highlights the psychological benefits of online education for students despite the noted challenges in attendance and achieving educational objectives. However, these lessons were not consistent for all students. Based on the statistical analysis, factors such as attendance, challenges perceived by the students, and the achievement of educational objectives were determined to be indicators of the effectiveness of online instructors. Practically, this research highlights the necessity for improved training for teachers to effectively utilise online platforms. It also recommends enhancing IT infrastructure and government support to improve online education. Teachers expressed openness to training seminars and recognised the psychological gains for students, suggesting the potential for continued use of online teaching methods post-pandemic. The wider sociopolitical impact involves informing discussions on the necessity, value, and effectiveness of e-learning, thus guiding future educational policies and practices.

An Empirical Research on the Practices of Education Management Information System (EMIS) in South West Showa Education Sectors

This study focused on the implementation of Educational Management Information System (EMIS) in South West Showa education sectors. An Education Management Information System (EMIS) is a system that collects, manages, and shares educational data within a national ministry or department of education. EMIS, as defined by UNESCO in 2018, is a system of operational processes utilizing digital technology to gather, analyze, and utilize data and information in education for various purposes such as management, planning, policy-making, and monitoring. A mixed research approach was used, with data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. The study involved the South West Showa education office management body and 6 Woredas education sectors. Challenges identified included lack of education indicators manual, qualified personnel, EMIS software user manual, relevant training, computer and printer shortages, high turnover in EMIS positions, and issues with data accuracy and reliability. Respondents highlighted problems such as insufficient ICT infrastructure, lack of IT competency, shortage of qualified staff, and poor coordination. The study concluded that EMIS faced various obstacles affecting its management, and recommendations were made to address these issues.

Antecedents and consequences of automated VAT solution adoption in Gulf cooperation countries: the case of the United Arab Emirates

Purpose This paper aims to examine the antecedents of the Automated VAT Solution (AVS) and its eventual consequence on value-added tax (VAT) compliance costs among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as context. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was deployed through a survey of 576 SMEs in the UAE. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings revealed that technological factors (IT complexity and IT competency) and organizational factors (management support and size of SME) significantly influence AVS adoption. However, only consumer pressure was found to be significant among the environmental factors, and AVS adoption was found to have a significant negative effect on the VAT compliance cost. Research limitations/implications A lower coefficient of determination for the effect of AVS adoption on VAT compliance cost meant that there may be other accounting-related technologies that improve operational efficiency and process automation and, in the long run, lower the cost of VAT compliance. These technologies should be included in future studies. Practical implications The findings imply that the adoption of AVS among SMEs is highly desirable, as it reduces VAT compliance costs. Increased regulatory pressure by the UAE’s policymakers is also desirable to accelerate AVS adoption for enhanced cost reduction and revenue maximization from the perspectives of both the government and SMEs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study could be the first to expand the Technology-Organization-Environmental (TOE) Framework through the integration of determinants of AVS adoption and VAT compliance costs among SMEs in GCC countries.

Construction of a fuzzy model for managing the process of forming IT-competences

The relevance of this study is predetermined by the lack of models and algorithms for managing the formation of IT competencies in children of senior preschool age in the information and educational environment of a preschool organization. The object of the study is the process of managing the formation of IT competencies in children of senior preschool age. The problem under study is the need to build an effective system for assessing and managing the level of IT competencies, taking into account the uncertainty and subjectivity of assessments, as well as ensuring flexibility and adaptability of the process of developing competencies. The constructed model based on fuzzy logic takes into account the uncertainty of assessments and decomposes competencies into indicators of achievement (low, medium, high levels). The production model of knowledge representation based on fuzzy inference rules enables control adaptability. As a result, recommendations were compiled for assessing and developing competencies taking into account the individual characteristics of children and the educational environment. The approaches and tools proposed in this study help improve the quality of preschool education by providing teachers with effective tools for managing the educational process in the context of digitalization. The essence of the results is to build a model that makes it possible to integrate uncertain and subjective data into the process of assessing IT competencies, providing more accurate and objective assessments. The results could be used in the information and educational environments of preschool organizations, as well as in education systems that introduce modern technologies for assessing and managing competencies

Impact of IT Competency on Organizational Agility with Mediation Role of Absorptive Capacity: Evidence from the Egyptian High Tech Driven SMEs

Impact of IT Competency on Organizational Agility with Mediation Role of Absorptive Capacity: Evidence from the Egyptian High Tech Driven SMEs

Understanding B2B customer journeys for complex digital services: The case of cloud computing

Cloud computing services represent a rapidly growing business-to-business (B2B) market, but managers lack guidance on managing the customer journey for these complex digital services. To address this challenge, we conduct an exploratory qualitative study based on 20 interviews with providers and customers of cloud computing services, supplemented by data from observations. Our research highlights critical touchpoints along the customer journey in cloud computing markets and provides implications for B2B customer journey management. A key finding is that B2B customers' IT competency is a crucial differentiator in this market. That is, while IT-savvy companies evaluate these services independently and use them in a self-service fashion, IT-novice companies rely on multipliers (e.g., IT system houses) to act as support and gatekeepers to buying cloud computing services. This difference has implications for the composition of buying and usage centers, the development of the customer journey, and the control of touchpoints by the service provider. Thus, cloud service providers need to manage two types of customer journey: one directly focused on customers and another involving the management of multipliers. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations for B2B practitioners to guide their customers through the journey for this complex digital service.

Measures Taken by Lecturers in Teaching Language Skills to Large EFL Classes Online at Some Universities in Vietnam

In EFL online teaching, large-sized classes are of major concern, and different teachers have taken various measures to facilitate and enable better learning outcomes. This study investigated the measures used by lecturers at some universities in Vietnam to teach language skills to large EFL classes online. The sample size was 60 respondents from different age groups, university settings, and IT competence levels. The research found that most teachers often preferred teaching receptive skills (i.e. reading and listening) as they were more graphic and more easily handled. Accordingly, more audio-visual measures were reported to be effective. Activities that allowed students to prepare and get ready were also more favorable. Presentations, role-plays, interviews and flipped classes were counted among the most frequently used activities. Besides, class short assignments on less academic tasks were more prevailing because they did not apply challenges and pressure on learners. Respondents revealed that they had to perform a lot of technical skills and combine several digital means of teaching, managing, monitoring and assessing their classes. It was recommended from this study that more training on handling blended classes and support efforts should be given to teachers of large classes as well as more innovative language activities and pedagogical measures should be designed to improve teaching and learning quality in such a circumstance.

Teaching students of Altai State University on the programs of the "Digital Department": the tutor's view

The subject of the study is the peculiarities of teaching students of the Institute of History and International Relations of Altai State University on the programs of the project "Digital Departments". A brief overview of the "Digital Department" of the specified university and the programs that it implements within the framework of this project is given. The features of teaching students in the programs of the "Digital Department" as representatives of the humanities are outlined. The topic is considered from the point of view of the tutor of students of the Institute of History and International Relations. In the course of direct work with students, the peculiarities of their choice of programs for obtaining additional IT competencies were revealed, as well as the difficulties and problems faced by students when mastering the selected programs were analyzed. The prospects for humanities students in the field of their application of IT competencies in the professional field are also presented. The research is based on the author's own experience as a tutor and includes an analysis of the results of practical work with students. The novelty of the research is due to the fact that the project "Digital Departments" itself, which has been implemented since 2022, is quite young, and at this stage of its implementation there is an accumulation of practical and methodological experience among participating universities. In this paper, the author describes the experience of two years of work as a tutor with students of the Institute of History and International Relations of the Altai State University studying at the programs of the digital department. The main conclusion is that these difficulties are typical for many universities participating in the Digital Department project, which are now on the way to finding the most optimal ways to overcome them. The new tasks set for the participating universities of the project open up interesting prospects for further training of students in the humanities.

АНАЛИЗ УПРАВЛЕНЧЕСКИХ ПРОЦЕССОВ В ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОЙ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ

The article presents the results of a study of management processes in an educational organization. Having analyzed management processes, such as: attracting young specialists, improving the qualifications of teachers and the transition to distance education, we came to the conclusion that each of these decisions requires constant improvement and correlation with other aspects of management. Attracting young specialists to educational institutions requires not only conducting attractive recruitment, but also creating conditions for their professional growth and development. Improving the qualifications of teachers requires significant resources, including financial resources for organizing specialized training and courses. The transition to distance education also requires equipping educational institutions with technical means, access to the Internet and the use of specialized programs. In addition, teachers must be ready to teach in a new format and have appropriate IT competence.

Improving the IT Competence of Vocational High School Teachers with Internet of Things Training Based on ESP 8266

Abstract. This training aims to improve participants' understanding and skills of SMK Muhammadiyah 3 Yogyakarta Teachers in developing IoT applications using the ESP8266 module. The employed training techniques encompass both theoretical and practical modules, as well as interactive group discussions. Trainees are interested in technology and want to expand their knowledge of IoT. During the training, participants were given an understanding of the basic concepts of IoT, an introduction to the ESP8266 module, and how to use the Arduino IDE for microcontroller programming. The results of this dedication show a significant increase in participants' understanding and skills after attending the training. Participants can understand the basic principles of wireless communication, install, and configure the ESP8266 module, and develop simple IoT applications. Evaluation of the participants showed high satisfaction with this training. The training was deemed highly beneficial and applicable to the participants' everyday routines. Participants also feel more confident in facing challenges in developing IoT applications. The training program is expected to yield enduring advantages, foster indigenous ingenuity, and enhance community engagement with the Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

Multimedia Collaboration and Structured Worksheets on Synchronous and Asynchronous Distance Training Scientific Publications at Jakarta Religious Education and Training Center

Scientific Writing is an element of scientific publication that is difficult for teachers to produce to fulfil credit points for promotion. For the Distance Training (PJJ) learning process, which consists of synchronous and asynchronous stages, the teacher must create a strategy using multimedia and structured worksheets. The problem examined in this research is so that training participants understand written work, are motivated and can produce as many products in PJJ Scientific Publications as possible in a short time. The research aims to see the increase in competency of training participants and the products produced as well as the motivation of training participants by collaborating between multimedia and structured worksheets in synchronous and asynchronous PJJ Scientific Publications for MA teachers. The research design is descriptive analysis and the data analyzed are assignment scores, formative test results and questionnaire results in the form of training participant responses regarding the PJJ process with multimedia collaboration and structured worksheets both synchronously and asynchronously. Training course products: Presentations at Scientific Forums, Research Results or Scientific Ideas in the Field of Formal Education, Research Results or Teacher's Manuals were rated very competent. The questionnaire results in the form of training participants' responses regarding the use of structured worksheets and the use of multimedia on average, who answered that they were very efficient, helpful, and satisfying. The impact that participants feel after participating in PJJ is very positive. The use of multimedia and structured worksheets should be maximized in every training, both synchronous and asynchronous, improving the IT competency of students on an ongoing basis and increasing innovative and creative training implementation strategies.

Professional training in the digital economy development: experience of training students of I. N. Ulianov Chuvash State University to work with "1C:ERP Enterprise Management"

In the context of the modernization of the education system in Russia and the shortage of personnel in the IT industry, there is an urgent need to graduate competent specialists, which is the direct task of universities, as well as to constantly improve their professional IT competencies and retain specialists in the regions, which becomes the task of regular cooperation between universities and employers.Close attention of employers is paid to university graduates who have experience in working with ERP systems designed to automate the company’s business processes. In the situation of import substitution, the greatest demand among enterprises is for domestic ERP systems, among which the leading position is occupied by “1C:ERP Enterprise Management”. Studying this software product at university becomes the key to success in finding a job.The peculiarities of training qualified IT personnel by teaching “1C:ERP Enterprise Management” at the I. N. Ulianov Chuvash State University are considered the example of two bachelor’s degree programs — “Economics” and “Business Informatics”. The sequence of students’ and teachers’ work with “1C” software products, types of disciplines, and modules is presented. The use of cloud technologies gives students free access to 1C educational materials, free connection to 1C information bases, and teachers — a convenient way tocontrol the work of students.

Organization of Project Activities of 5-6 Grade Students in Сomputer Science Lessons: Scientific and Theoretical Analysis

The study is devoted to the problem of scientific and theoretical analysis of the possibilities of the practical application of project activities for 5–6 grades students in Computer science lessons. The aim of the article is to justify the importance and relevance of the implementing educational projects by 5–6 grades students, solving research tasks, which should lead to the formation of comprehensive skills, information literacy and culture. Methods. To achieve the aim, the author used the following methods: analysis, synthesis of regulatory, legal, scientific and pedagogical sources, generalization. Results. The relevance of the problem of application of project technology in the study of the educational subject «Сomputer science» by students has been proven. The project method should be considered as a system of education, according to which students acquire knowledge and skills in the process of planning and performing gradually more complex practical tasks. The project-based learning environment is dominated by students' self-activity and activity. This pedagogical technology should be implemented in several stages and be cyclical in its implementation. At the same time, project activities should be carried out in several stages, which include: constructive, value-oriented and evaluative-reflective. Project technology should include: transformation of the student into the central figure of the educational process; the absence of reproductive learning with the simultaneous dominance of cognitive activity; independent acquisition and the possibility of applying the acquired knowledge; joint reasoning, discussion and research; respect for students, taking into account the integral personality of students; the presence of an important problem; creativity; structuring the content of the project; the presence of the final version. It is emphasized that the work on the educational project should involve free choice of the project by students and consideration of their interests, independence and problem solving, integration of knowledge, skills and abilities from other fields of science and technology, creativity, practical application of the acquired knowledge, and gaining individual experience. Сomputer science teachers should focus on the individual characteristics of students in grades 5–6, as youth of this age have differentiated, stable and effective cognitive interests. Accordingly, it is necessary to stimulate students' cognitive interest through activities that are practically oriented. In turn, this allows you to introduce students to a problematic situation that will affect their intelligence, will, emotions, feelings, desires and actions. Given these circumstances, a Computer science teacher should use such methods as brainstorming, analogies, modulation, and cataloging in project activities. The use of the brainstorming method leads to the activation of students' cognitive activity; the method of analogies deals with the formulation of hypotheses; modeling leads to independent construction of models, development of new notation systems, creation of ideal subject environments; cataloging helps to the compilation of stories in accordance with the questions posed by the teacher. Conclusions. It is noted that when organizing the project activity of students in grades 5–6, school teachers should take into account the mandatory application of the principle of continuity to the education of this age category pupils (the initial stage of implementation of the NUS Concept in primary school; project skills acquired by primary school pupils; available IT competencies; low level of independence); types of independent work, appropriate and adequate to the age characteristics of pupils; the presence of a learning problem in the organized project activity; personal and collective creativity; and the development of the project activity. The educational outcome of organizing project activities in Computer science lessons is the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge, search and research activities, the students’ orientation in the information space, the critical evaluation of information, the formation of skills to analyze, systematize, generalize the material obtained, the development of skills for cooperating and self-educating in the solving practical problems process.

Conceptualising the enhancement of professional skills and competencies in information technology students in higher education

In a constantly evolving industry like IT, one cannot expect things to remain the same in a few years, and the biggest concern in the context of Industry 5.0 is whether technology will replace employment (ISCAN, 2021). Even as IT professionals, every graduate will ask the same question when they enter the industry. The competency development of IT graduates has been discussed and understood as a necessity in many studies (Alavi et al., 2021; Anicic & Buselic, 2021) and a review of job advertisements online shows the changing nature of required competencies. The emphasis is not only on technical knowledge but also on various skills and competencies of the individual (Mariani et al., 2021). However, industry professionals often state they feel that IT graduates lack professional preparation in terms of skills and competencies (Guneri Sahin & Celikkan, 2020; World Economic Forum, 2023). IT teaches students how to utilize, protect, manage, and trade technology to meet needs and enhance people's lives (ACM, 2018); as a result, IT practitioners' skills and competencies are more important than ever today. What is required now may differ significantly from what is required in the future (Gartner, 2022; World Economic Forum, 2019). Therefore, future graduates must be adaptable, and the skills and competencies they acquire must be dynamic and responsive to change. There is a relationship between skill development and pedagogical methods (Virtanen & Tynjälä, 2018). It is increasingly important to link students with industry and allow them to interact in real-life circumstances. Signature Pedagogies (Shulman, 1998), WIL (Lesley et al., 2010), and authentic learning (Herrington & Herrington, 2006) are just a few of the ways that link students to their profession. Group projects, presentations, internships, portfolios, discussions, flipped classrooms, peer review, research, case studies, authentic assessments, and gamification are some of the methods used in classrooms to teach skills such as interpersonal skills, teamwork, ethics, professional responsibility, equity, personal growth, and critical thinking. It is important to investigate whether these methods are the most suitable for developing these dynamic competencies. This research aims to explore the experiences of IT graduates and lecturers with the pedagogical methods utilized, and to investigate how effective they are in developing dynamic professional skills and competencies. The poster presents the proposal for this study. A case study method has been selected as it allows for an investigation of contemporary phenomena in depth within their real-world context (Yin, 2014). A single case (holistic) design was chosen to investigate how teaching, learning, and assessment methods can be used in IT higher education to develop IT professional skills and competencies which are required by industry. Even though the study will take place in a single setting, diverse participants with diverse experiences will be involved in data collection. This will inform the higher education sector about industry expectations and methods for developing these dynamic skills and competencies. Furthermore, it will help students understand the value of professional skills for employability, and the function of teaching, learning, and assessment methods in their educational pathways.

Methodological foundations for the formation of pre-professional IT competencies of high school students in children’s technoparks “Quantorium”

Modern state programs for the development of education have set an important task to prepare young people for successful professional self-realization, which implies the involvement of students in programs and activities of early career guidance, support of professional self-determination, and development of professional and socio-cultural competencies.The methods and principles of organizing educational activities of high school students on the basis of the children’s technopark “Quantorium” aim the development of pre-professional IT competencies. Classes in the technopark will make the preparation of students for modern and future IT professions more effective, and will also contribute to their readiness for self-realization and further professional development.Approaches to the development of pre-professional competencies of high school students are based on the project-oriented teaching methodology that promotes the development of teamwork, communication, and project management skills, technological competencies, and creative thinking. The analysis of the modular design principle of additional general educational programs of the technopark is carried out on the example of work in the direction “≪IT-quantum≫”, which is a part of the “Quantorium”. “Quantorium” can become an effective tool to support educational activities aimed at the development of pre-professional competencies in high school students, contributing to the increase of interest in scientific, technical, and IT disciplines.

DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL COMPETENCE OF YOUNGER SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF INFORMAL EDUCATION

Martial law conditions do not create favorable conditions for the education and development of children, but at the same time encourage the search for innovative tools. Temporal challenges determine the need to develop digital competence in younger schoolchildren. Modern society increasingly uses digital technologies in various aspects of life, including education and communication. In addition, the ability to use digital resources is also determined by the requirements for the professional skills of a modern teacher, because today mastering the basics of computer literacy is the basis of educational activity. The importance of non-formal education in the digital competence formation, especially in summer camps, increases. The article presents the authors’ practical experience in the development of digital skills of school-aged children in the summer camp «IT for Kids», which was organized by the NGO «Megasocium» in cooperation with the Center for Information Technologies of Uzhhorod National University with the support of the international humanitarian organization «People in Need Slovakia». Educational content included the basics of computer literacy, cyber security, internet safety, media literacy, programming and robotics. The main educational research goals: determination of key aspects of digital competence, approbation of pedagogical tools effective in the conditions of a military conflict; analysis of scientific research and European practices; assessment of the effectiveness of the application of these methods and approaches in the educational process; designing further work on the development of IT competence in conditions of non-formal education; outlining prospects and opportunities for digital skills developing of school-age children vis summer camps.

Integrating multiple industry 4.0 approaches and tools in an interoperable platform for manufacturing SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to optimize their production processes and products due to limited resources and lack of expertise in technological solutions. To address this issue, this research work presents a multi-purpose platform that can be used by SMEs as easy-to use support tool to run what-if analyses to optimize their products and production processes design. The platform fulfills the requirements of interoperability, accessibility, and usability and is built upon a layered infrastructure, consisting of specific modules within its Decision-Making Layer, Data Exchange Layer, and User Management Layer. The platform integrates several software, including Plant Simulation, Autodesk Inventor Nastran, and Autodesk Inventor Nesting, to simulate production processes, to run finite element analysis, and to optimize raw material utilization. The interoperability and data exchange are ensured through the adoption of FIWARE, an open-source framework for IoT platforms, which enables the harmonized representation of data formats and semantics among different applications and software within the platform. The User Management Layer allows SMEs to easily interact with the platform, making it an easy-to-use tool even for those with limited IT competencies. A case study conducted by an SME in the furniture sector demonstrated the platform's effectiveness in achieving optimal design and production of a new bookcase, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved profitability. The modular structure of the platform enables potential future integration of additional modules, such as quality control, supply chain management, etc., further enhancing its capabilities and potential benefits for SMEs. The proposed multi-purpose platform represents a valuable tool for SMEs to optimize their production processes and products and to overcome the limitations due to their limited resources and expertise in technological solutions.