HOW DOES DIGITALIZATION AFFECTS THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY OF STUDENTS’ EDUCATION IN NIS?

Introduction

Digitalization has significantly influenced education in the 21st century. The lack of digitalization, specifically the use of the internet, computers, websites, and interactive games in education, limits the potential of students. Therefore, many schools, including Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS), strive to leverage digitalization to their advantage. Research and analysis of issues in this area are relevant and important for our country. Although the level of digitalization in Kazakhstan is not particularly low, the country faces challenges and progresses slowly. Obstacles include the reluctance of local producers to adopt Industry 4.0, primarily due to high costs and a shortage of highly qualified specialists in this area, especially in distance learning. Technical failures and internet system overloads significantly impact education​​. NIS exemplifies innovative education, strategically implementing digital initiatives to enhance the learning process. The school employs various technologies, such as laptops, interactive games, electronic boards, and online laboratories, to create a technologically rich environment. The evolution of digitalization in education and its integration into NIS reflects the effort to keep pace with technological advancements. As the world continues to evolve, it is crucial to equip students with digital skills, and NIS serves as a model educational institution in this regard. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate level of digitalization is important​​.

Literature Review

Digitalization has simplified people's daily work. In schools, colleges, universities, and research centers, information and communication technologies have extended beyond managing student information, including knowledge and value management systems. For students and teachers who value change and creativity, digitalization provides motivational opportunities for learning and enhances efficiency. In modern customer-oriented marketing, digitalization also plays a significant role, increasing both direct and indirect consumer satisfaction​​. This literature review shows the positive impact of digitalization on education, including the development of language and literacy through e-books (Savva, Higgins, Beckmann, 2022), improving success in mathematics through technology (Ran, Kim, Secada, 2022), improving the quality of writing in younger students (Wen, Walters, 2022), and effective teaching of STEM subjects through digital games (Wang, Chen, Hwang, Guan, Wang, 2022), as well as the positive effect of virtual reality on academic performance (Villena-Taranilla, Tirado-Olivares, Cózar-Gutiérrez, González-Calero, 2022). This highlights the importance of integrating digital technologies to improve teaching and outcomes.

Research Results

A survey of 115 NIS students and interviews with three teachers at the National Innovation School (NIS) in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, revealed the significant impact of digitalization on education. Students rated the impact of digitalization on academic performance highly, with an average score of 8.1 out of 10, and felt that digitalization at NIS was well-developed, with an average score of 7.3. Online quizzes were deemed the most effective digital learning tool, and digital resources were frequently used in both coursework and homework. However, students and teachers both faced challenges such as slow internet and outdated equipment. Teachers reported that digital tools made lessons more engaging and effective, increasing student motivation and participation. Despite some teachers not observing significant changes in academic performance, the overall impact on student engagement was positive. Both groups emphasized that the successful integration of digital tools requires continuous support, infrastructure improvements, and a balanced approach that combines traditional methods with modern technology.

Conclusion

This study aims to explore how digitalization affects academic performance and the quality of education for students at NIS. The main objective of the research was to understand the extent of digitalization's impact on academic outcomes. Results indicate that students recognize the importance of quality education and view digital tools as an integral part of their education​​. The study also identified difficulties related to digitalization in the educational environment. These obstacles hinder a smooth transition to a digital learning environment and underscore the need for technical support and infrastructure improvement for successful integration of digital technologies into teaching methods. It is important to continue research and invest in digital infrastructure to ensure quality education and effective educational programs​​.