Informatization of vocational education through the implementation of the model of the center of immersive technologies

Problem statement . Every year, immersive equipment becomes more accessible, and the material and technical base of educational organizations is filled with new innovative devices. An urgent scientific task is the development of methods and tools for the implementation and usage of immersive devices in the educational process. Methodology. The authors describe approaches to the informatization of education based on the model of the center of immersive technologies (CIT), which contributes to the solution of managerial, methodical, pedagogical and technical problems associated with the application of immersive technologies in the educational and career guidance processes of educational organizations. The main functions of the CIT model are divided into three components: training students of secondary vocational education (SVE) in working professions, the realization of short programs for advanced training and assessment of qualifications, career guidance of schoolchildren. The key users of the CIT model are SVE students, schoolchildren and their parents, the management team of the educational organizations, teachers. The CIT model can be implemented in any organization that has immersive equipment (VR/AR) and human resources. Results. The implementation of immersive simulators in teaching students in professional programs, educational practice, as well as in organizing and conducting professional excellence championships demonstrates approximately equal effectiveness in comparison with traditional teaching methods, except for the cases in which it is important to develop tactile skills in working with certain equipment. Using the example of the execution of VR simulators in the teaching of the subject “Technology” in the school course, the advantage of learning on real machines is demonstrated. It was discovered that the maximum pedagogical effect is achieved by adding VR simulators to the training course and by using a combined approach. VR simulators are necessary for work in the absence of workshops and serve as an important didactic propaedeutic tool when they are available. Conclusion. The domestic and foreign experience of using immersive technologies in educational and outreach activities is analyzed, the development projects of the Russian Federation in the field of immersive technologies are considered. The relevance, theoretical and practical significance of the development and implementation of the CIT model are substantiated. The results of approbation in educational institutions of secondary vocational and basic general education are presented.