Application of Scrum and Kanban Approaches in Distance Learning of Future It-Specialists

Abstract

The online form of implementation of educational programs in a higher education institution should not affect the quality of competencies of a future graduate. For future successful employment and professional activity, an IT graduate should have skills and work styles associated with the application of modern software development technologies underlying the agile methodology. The goal of the study is to present an approach to introducing the ideas of the agile methodology into the educational process of a future IT specialist in the context of distance learning, comparing the possibilities of implementing two popular technologies of agile methodology – scrum and kanban, using the example of the Moodle distance learning system. To achieve this goal, the authors applied the following methods: the collection and analysis of scientific publications related to the study of features of agile technologies; the possibilities of their application in the educational process; monitoring the work of students according to agile methodology approaches when using the Moodle distance learning system. The analysis and observation of the students’ work allowed concluding on the possibility of introducing the methodology into the educational process carried out remotely using a distance learning system. The authors formulated recommendations on the application of distance learning tools for introducing the agile technologies in the learning process, in particular, the concept of distance course using the example of the Moodle online learning system, variants of the course objects settings, ways of evaluating the students’ work. The study shows that Moodle distance learning system acts as a virtual space where students interact as team members, implement project activities according to scrum and kanban approaches, using such course elements as a checklist, assignment, forum, and chat.