From January 14 to 16, 2026, the International IT University (IITU) hosted the Winter School for Advisors and Teaching Excellence — a large-scale educational platform for faculty, advisors, and university staff. The event aimed to develop the professional, pedagogical, and digital competencies of the faculty, share best practices, and discuss current challenges in the modern higher education system. At the opening of the Winter School, K.V. Kolesnikova, Acting Chairperson of the Board – Rector of IITU, welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development for teachers and the role of advisors in shaping students' educational trajectories.
- Day 1: Participants discussed the psychological well-being of faculty, burnout prevention, and modern socio-psychological challenges in education. Key topics also included cybercrime issues and the specific expectations the IT industry holds for modern graduates.
- Day 2: The program focused on innovative educational approaches and the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the learning process. Sessions covered the development of research and teamwork competencies, as well as academic and digital skills. Special emphasis was placed on AI tools, personalized learning models, and the use of AI in humanities.
- Day 3: The final day was dedicated to soft skills, emotional intelligence, professional ethics, and university corporate culture. Participants also explored the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum and modern methods for teaching economics and humanities in a post-industrial society.
The speakers included leading IITU faculty and experts, as well as guest specialists from Satbayev University, the UNESCO office, IT companies, and NGOs. Among them were psychologists, researchers, professors, assistant professors, and representatives from the IT business and education sectors.
Participants had the opportunity to explore modern pedagogical approaches, discuss the integration of digital and AI tools into teaching, and develop professional and communication skills. They also shared experiences on improving teaching efficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Winter School served as a platform for professional dialogue, experience sharing, and finding new solutions to enhance the quality of education at the university. IITU remains committed to systematically developing pedagogical potential and implementing advanced educational technologies.
