The impact of the mobile applications usage on the quality of tourism specialists training

Abstract

Problem statement . The modernization of the educational system involves the adoption of technologies based on artificial intelligence, AR, VR, and mobile platforms. The use of mobile tools in the training of workers in the tourism industry meets the requirements for training programs for highly qualified professionals in this area and the challenges of economic integration. The study aimed at substantiating the efficacy of the use of mobile applications in the training of tourism industry specialists for the quality improvement. Methodology . Theoretical and methodological analysis and generalization were applied in determining the content and problems of mobile learning in the area of tourism and identifying the prospects for the development of travel applications. For designing mobile applications, the iBuildApp tool was chosen. A testing was developed, including the blocks “Fundamentals of tourism activities” (20 points), and “Mobile applications in the field of tourism” (20 points). The study involved 49 students of the Orel State Institute of Culture (the direction of training “Tourism”, profile “Technology and organization of excursion services”). Pearson's chi-squared test was used as a statistical processing method. Results . The ideas of a methodological approach are formulated, reflecting the necessary changes in the system of training specialists in the tourism sector, taking into account the challenges of economic integration, the requirements of a professional standard, and the strategy for the development of tourism in Russia. The difficulties that affect the effectiveness of the inclusion of mobile applications in the training of industry workers are highlighted: dependence on foreign software solutions, the high expense of creating own mobile application and its post-maintenance, and technical failures in the network. Statistically significant differences in the qualitative changes that occurred in the training system were determined. Conclusion . The incorporation of mobile applications in the training of tourism industry specialists advances the quality of their training due to new opportunities for collaboration and project activities, cost optimization, innovative work experience, etc. There are also negative aspects, such as a decrease in the overall level of oral communication, the risks of losing the phone, distraction, and addiction.

Keywords

• mobile learning
• digital technologies
• travel applications
• tourism activities
• professional standard
• ibuildapp
• ibuildapp