In early March, a series of online consultations in a question-and-answer format were conducted by Z.M. Ainabayeva, MA in TESOL, a methodological and language expert at IITU JSC and Senior Lecturer of the Department of Languages. These sessions brought together school teachers from Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. The main objectives of the consultations were: to summarize the outcomes of the training sessions held during the winter of 2025; to facilitate an open dialogue highlighting key aspects of teaching practices; to explore the use of the Akelius platform in addressing the challenges of mixed-ability classrooms and to discuss other relevant topics in the field of education.

The consultations were attended by teachers from schools using the Akelius platform, as well as coordinators of the first phase of the project and participants of the second and third phases under the guidance of UNICEF.

It is worth noting that teachers from schools in Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent are increasingly adopting and implementing modern blended learning models - not merely following instructions, but doing so with genuine enthusiasm. Thanks to the training sessions conducted with the participation of language and methodological experts from IITU JSC and supported by UNICEF, educators have gained not only new methodologies but also inspiration for change. The main focus is on addressing the challenges of teaching in classrooms with students at varying levels of proficiency. To assist teachers, the digital platform Akelius and the latest AI technologies have become reliable aids in the educational process. Among the approaches introduced, the “Station Rotation” model has gained particular popularity, praised by teachers for its flexibility and its ability to maintain a lively lesson pace by constantly varying activities and keeping students engaged.

As part of the integration of modern pedagogical approaches into Kazakhstani schools, the use of the Akelius digital platform in combination with blended learning models is gaining increasing popularity. This initiative, supported by UNICEF, is already helping to address one of the key challenges of modern education - effectively teaching in classrooms with mixed-ability students. According to teachers, the Akelius platform has a positive impact on student engagement, particularly among those who previously struggled with learning foreign languages. Teachers are pleasantly surprised to observe that students with lower levels of preparation are beginning to confidently repeat new words, show interest in tasks, and gradually overcome language barriers. Despite these clear benefits, there are still challenges that require further refinement - from adapting content to improving the technical infrastructure of classrooms. One of the key areas of discussion was the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational practice. Many training participants were introduced for the first time to tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, and OneNote, and have already started incorporating them into their daily lesson planning, unlocking new opportunities for visualization, organization, and interactivity in the learning process. Inclusion also featured prominently in the discussions. Teachers emphasized that for the successful integration of the Akelius platform into inclusive education, additional resources are needed: more interactive games and reading materials within the app, access to tablets, and high-quality technical support. These suggestions were voiced during the final online consultations, where teachers actively contributed their insights. Special attention was given to mentoring and peer exchange. Many educators expressed their desire not only to continue using digital technologies but also to share their results and experiences. Looking ahead, a conference is planned for April 2025, where key topics will be presented, ranging from inclusive practices to AI and mentorship in education.

Thus, the conducted trainings and subsequent consultations were not merely educational events, but an important milestone in the transformation of the educational environment in Kazakhstan. Teachers not only mastered new digital tools, but also gained a fresh perspective on the potential of blended learning—including beyond the framework of the platform itself. An increasing number of educators continue to use the Akelius platform both in hybrid formats and within traditional classroom settings, demonstrating the flexibility and potential of this technology in addressing current educational challenges.