The use of information and communication technologies in training ecology students

¹ Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Department of Geoecology and Methods of Teaching Ecology, Ternopil, 46027, Ukraine
² Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Department of Computer Science and Teaching Methods, Ternopil, 46027, Ukraine

^* Corresponding author: irynabarna@tnpu.edu.ua

Abstract

Increasing demand for experts capable of high-quality assessment of the impact of a particular planned activity on the environment involves a more effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in the educational process of training ecology students. The authors present a methodology for students to study the educational material of the “Environmental Impact Assessment” course by using ICT. The methodology and algorithm for using the Padlet interactive whiteboard, Mindomo mind maps, Easel infographics, Google Drive and Google Docs in lectures and practical lessons are described. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of a group project using ICT. Tested in the Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, the methodology allows to implement a number of tasks such as: promotion of intensification and effectiveness of teaching; acquisition of practical skills to quickly find the necessary information on various online resources for ecology students; simulation of the real procedure of environmental impact assessment in the classroom; development of the ability to professionally communicate with experts in other fields of knowledge or activity, etc. Examination of the results of using ICT to study the “Environmental Impact Assessment” course has shown a significant increase in informational literacy among ecology students and their individual professional growth.