The teaching methodology of university instructors today is built on the strict requirement to keep pace with the rapidly evolving era of information technology. One of the most effective approaches aligned with modern demands is the integration of online learning through the development of courses. In this context, MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) represent an important direction, aiming to make education comprehensive, technologically advanced, and accessible to everyone. It is worth noting that significant efforts in this area are being carried out by the Academic and Digital Innovation Office, whose dedicated work is focused on developing and implementing MOOCs, turning the idea of accessible, high-quality education into reality.
In 2024, after completing the university’s online course “Online Course Development: From Theory to Practice”, and applying methodologies focused on the use of information and communication technologies, an opportunity emerged to design an individual course within a specific academic discipline. This approach, aimed at integrating teaching with modern digital tools and structured activities, laid the foundation for developing a full-fledged online course.
With this goal in mind, preparations began to participate in a competition organized by the Academic and Digital Innovation Office under the Department of Academic Affairs at 91传媒 Kazakh National University. According to Protocol 鈩�1 of the 泻芯薪泻褍褉褋 commission meeting dated April 2, 2024, approval was granted to develop a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) titled “Contemporary Issues in International Relations”.
Since the course is part of the undergraduate program in International Relations, members of the competition committee proposed expanding its scope by taking into account the specific features of teaching this subject. Following the recommendation of Assel Musinova - Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Affairs and an expert in modern teaching technologies - the course concept was further enhanced. It was suggested to integrate at least ten lecture-interviews with high-level representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international organizations. This approach aligned the course with real-world professional requirements and marked the beginning of its development.
At the Faculty of International Relations, there had been no prior experience in creating such online courses, and for the course authors, the direction initially seemed unclear. However, thanks to the guidance, patience, and support of Assel Musinova, a clear path forward was established, allowing the team to confidently begin their work.
In general, developing a MOOC involves extensive and meticulous work: preparing video lectures, lecture notes, supplementary materials, assessment tasks, final projects required for certification, and methodological guidelines - all structured according to strict course design standards. From defining the target audience to designing the course structure, content, assignments, assessments, video materials, test questions, and discussion forums, the process is highly complex. Moreover, it requires technical support for filming, editing, and uploading materials. This demonstrates that MOOC development is a demanding, collaborative effort that requires responsibility, professionalism, and patience beyond the work of the course authors alone.
A key role in managing this process was played by Ainur Arystanova, Chief Specialist of the Academic and Digital Innovation Office and a researcher in ICT-based education. Her contribution to training instructors in online course development deserves special recognition. Despite the authors’ prior experience in teaching the subject and completing specialized training, they quickly realized that the practical implementation of an online course requires a high level of precision, organizational skills, and adaptability.
The distinctive feature of the developed course “Contemporary Issues in International Relations” lies in its practical orientation. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to engage with prominent figures in diplomacy and foreign policy, receive professional insights, and discuss key global issues shaping the modern world.
To achieve this, the course includes video interviews with diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, representatives and leaders of international organizations operating in the country, members of foreign diplomatic missions, and internationally recognized experts.
The course’s unique structure is enriched by video interviews featuring prominent diplomats and international experts. Among them are Vlastimil Samek, UN Representative for Global Communications in Kazakhstan; Egidijus Navikas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to Kazakhstan; Jiang Wei, Consul General of China in Almaty; Adil Bakytzhanuly, First Secretary of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in China; and Saidakhmad Dilovarsho, Program Manager for Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia.
In addition, the course is supported by video interviews with well-known Kazakhstani scholars and international relations experts, including Andrey Chebotarev, Nurlan Askar, Zhandos Momynkulov, Lyazzat Delovarova, and Aidar Akhmetov, whose contributions significantly enhanced the academic value of the course.
From its development to its completion, the course demonstrates how modern digital tools can provide accessible knowledge and practical skills anytime and anywhere. It highlights the true potential of MOOCs as interactive, free, relevant, and flexible learning environments.
The MOOC “Contemporary Issues in International Relations”, available on Kazakhstan’s national open education platform Open KazNU platform (), is taught within the Department of International Relations and World Economy - historically one of the leading centers for training diplomats in independent Kazakhstan. Developed in the Kazakh language, the course is designed for a wide student audience. Similar subjects are also included in international relations programs at other universities, further expanding its relevance.
The Academic and Digital Innovation Office of the Department of Academic Affairs has proven itself to be a key facilitator in the development of MOOCs. Through its efforts, it effectively supports continuous interaction between students and instructors in a modern digital learning environment—an important responsibility that deserves recognition.
Laura ISOVA
Acting Professor, Department of International Relations and World Economy, Candidate of Historical Sciences
Almagul KULBAYEVA
Acting Associate Professor, Candidate of Historical Sciences
Farabi
