23 October, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. Vitebsk State University named after P. Masherov is the first in the Vitebsk region to launch online courses for centralized testing preparation, Lilia Alizarshchik, Dean of the Faculty of Pre-University Training, informed a BELTA correspondent. Future applicants, regardless of their place of residence, can participate in distance learning for entrance examinations. To become an online course student, one needs a computer connected to the World Wide Web, speakers, a webcam, and to obtain access keys to the lessons from the university. The cost of online courses is no higher than that of traditional ones. Before embarking on this innovative form of study, prospective applicants had the opportunity to attend free online lessons in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and the Russian language. The Faculty of Pre-University Training conducted these jointly with the Center for Information Technologies, inviting university lecturers. On their computer screens, students saw the lecturer and other participants via video link, as well as presentations of educational materials. Just like in a real lesson, they answered the lecturers' questions, using chat or real-time voice communication for this purpose. High school students from Vitebsk, Chashniki, Orsha and the Orsha district, Vitebsk district, Shumilino district, Senno, Ushachi, Verkhnedvinsk, and Sharkovshchina joined the virtual lesson from their school and home computers. This new format equalizes the opportunities for graduates from urban schools and remote areas, believes Lilia Alizarshchik. In addition to creating distance learning groups at schools, the university is prepared to organize individual virtual consultations for future applicants online. -0-

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