HIT BUILDS BRIDGES WITH KAZAKH UNIVERSITIES

HIT is continuing to strengthen its cooperative relationships with key universities from Kazakhtan. A videoconference was held on December 3rd between the Institute and representatives from Kazakh National University, Kazakh Agrotechnical University, the Eurasian National University, Almaty Management University and the “Bolashak” Program. Topics of discussion ranged from artificial intelligence to digital medicine and even included discussion about the state of health of camels.

After being welcomed by H. E. Satybaldy Burshakov, Ambassador of Kazakhtan to Israel, the President of HIT Prof. Eduard Yakubov shared HIT’s positive experience in rapidly transitioning to remote learning during the Corona pandemic. ‘We geared up quickly, within a week. Experts from our Faculty of Instructional Technology helped us in this process. We also had to resolve organizational issues, like providing computers to students who did not have them. We also ensured that our lecturers had the necessary equipment required to teach from wherever most convenient. We fostered a hybrid form of education; for example, if there were 60 students in a group, then 15 of them came campus to study and the rest participated in the lecture through ZOOM. Video cameras are installed in the classroom which follow the teacher, even if the teacher is standing still”.

Professor Yakubov provided an overview of t HIT’s five faculties and two departments, and the degrees that are offered here. He provided his colleagues with several ideas for possible cooperation, and emphasized that the Holon Institute of Technology could become a bridge of between the two countries' universities.

Prof. Burkitbayev Mukhambetkali Myrzabayevich, the First Vice-Rector of the Kazakh National University, fondly recalled his visit to Israel. “It was an unforgettable trip, which personally showed me that the potential for cooperation between our countries is huge”.

Professor Yakubov reminded his colleague that they actually met within the walls of Kazakh National University: "You told me that camels do not get cancer. We even thought about studying the camel prickly cacti - the main food that camels eat. I am sure as soon as the pandemic is over, we will see each other again and continue discussing this and other interesting topics“.

The conference participants discussed a broad variety of potential areas for cooperation. Summing up, Mrs. Antoaneta Levy, the President’s coordinator for cooperation between HIT and Eurasian institutions, pledged to be in touch with each university to help advance a practical program for collaboration.

Posted: 07/12/2020