St. Petersburg University, in partnership with VTB Bank, is opening the Research and Educational Center for Digital Technologies. It will create innovative educational products using virtual reality, artificial intelligence, big data and other modern technologies.

The Center starts working on the basis of the Graduate School of Management of St. Petersburg University (GSOM SPbU). Its activities will focus on research and creation of innovative learning formats in a digital environment using virtual and augmented reality (VR / AR), artificial intelligence (AI), gamification and big data analysis. VTB's investments will make it possible to implement an integrated approach to the implementation of digital technologies in education, based on the results of research. 

“SPbU consolidates the best expertise of our time to create the knowledge needed today by a specialist, manager, leader. Partnership with big business allows us not only to exchange experience, but also to attract leading experts to develop such promising joint projects as a Research and Educational Center for Digital Technologies,” said Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St. Petersburg University.

“For example, we plan to teach soft skills in VR format, and for fast and effective learning, to make micro courses in mobile only format — using only a mobile phone,” — Sergey Lukashkin, the Director of the Research and Educational Center for Digital Technologies shared his plans. "Information in engaging formats of text, video, audio podcasts and infographics will allow students to gain the most important basic knowledge in minutes."

The formation of the concept of a student's digital profile  will also be one of the tasks of the Center. Collecting and analyzing the digital footprint will allow students and trainees to more effectively assess the current level of competencies for planning further individual path of learning and career development. Such a tool will be in demand both for managing the educational process and in the corporate environment.

“Education today is an investment in one's own life, professional development is a confirmation of the intention to achieve the highest results. Our task is to create a technological environment where students will be able to receive the most up-to-date knowledge in the most effective format, which will be in demand in the labor market in a few years,” said Olga Dergunova, Deputy President — Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank, Director of GSOM SPbU.