Blended learning as a tool for professional training of specialists for the Arctic region: modern practices in the context of digitalization of education

Blended learning now is becoming a popular technology which combines the traditional methods and tools with modern e-learning strategies. This paper focuses on contemporary approaches applied in the sphere of professional training of specialists for the Arctic and examines the experience of the two leading Universities of Russia which train highly qualified personnel for the Arctic region. In the context of digitalization of education a combination of different elements of electronic information and educational environment has been created and is actively developing. The authors use the official data and methodological documents and describe the latest practices applied in educational process in the context of digitalisation of education. The educational practices presented by the researchers reflect the experience of using the information and training portal “Arctic Safe” created in Saint-Petersburg University of the State Fire Safety Service and show capabilities of the electronic educational environment including distance learning system “FARVATER” which is used in Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping. The represented systems provide the students and teachers as well as the administration with the effective tools to organize the educational process.