Recently, as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the main part of human life and activity has become digital. Home office, online shopping, paperwork, education - all this is done remotely today. In addition, due to the pandemic, traditional universities have been forced to accelerate digitalization and switch to online format.

For the Baku Engineering University (BEU), such a transition went smoothly, as the university already had the infrastructure ready and a flexible approach to innovation.

In an interview with the "Azerbaijan Muallimi" newspaper, BEU Vice-Rector for Scientific Affairs, Associate Professor Elchin Suleymanov shared his views on the introduction of distance education in higher education.

-Currently, distance learning continues in Azerbaijani universities. What are your observations: What is the effect of this process at Baku Engineering University?

-The teaching process at Baku Engineering University (BMU) in connection with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is being successfully implemented through the distance learning platform Google Classroom LMS (Learning Management System) and related Google Hangouts video conferencing application. The vast majority of BMU students use this platform and are involved in online learning. The integration of the University's Electronic Management System with Google Classroom has greatly facilitated our work. Because the habitual use of active corporate mail by teachers and students was a component of the electronic system. In our case, the whole process was followed by the Student Information System until the students graduated from the course, and the fact that the university is via corporate Gmail made it easier for us to implement Google Classroom LMS and Hangouts.

- What can you say about the comprehensiveness of the process?

-In general, 86% of university classes are organized online and 82% of students attended these classes. Thus, 230 lessons on economics and management were developed on the Google Classroom platform, and about 200 online lessons were organized in one week, which covered 87% of the opened lessons. The number of students participating in the classroom was 1467 people (89%). 190 lessons at the Faculty of Engineering were developed on the Google Classroom platform. The number of online lessons per week was 180, which accounted for 95% of the lessons opened. The number of students participating in the classroom was 2138 (86%). 282 lessons for the pedagogical faculty were developed on the Google Classroom platform. During the week, 256 online classes were held, which is 91% of the classes opened. The number of students participating in the classroom was 4391 (77.5%). 181 lessons in architecture and construction were developed on the Google Classroom platform, and 145 online lessons were held in the last week, which accounted for 80% of the opened lessons. The number of students participating in the classroom was 620 (76%). Based on these statistics, I can say with confidence that the majority of our students and teachers do not have a serious problem in joining the teaching process. Very few of our students have a problem attending classes. All classes are supervised by the officials of the faculties and departments. In addition, the vast majority of classes are videotaped, taking into account students who are unable to attend online classes. BMU students with limited Internet access will be able to follow the course materials later.

- Are your students not only listeners in this format, but also prepare for lessons?

- Our students are able to present the group presentations previously identified by the teacher in class. Because in the program it is possible to share links on both PowerPoint and Youtube and integrate into the lesson. In this process, I think our students are more active. I can emphasize one nuance. The Student Scientific Society of the University has organized about five online trainings in the last 10 days, and the participants, not only BMU students, but also students of other aspiring higher education institutions are showing great interest in these trainings. TEC plans to hold at least one distance training each week with the participation of experts in various fields. These trainings include research methods, foreign language learning trainings, career trainings, etc. is oriented. At the same time, the Innovation Department of the BMU Technopark holds UniTalks remote webinars every evening at 7 PM.

In general, we do our best to ensure that students do not lag behind in education and personal development in this process, and I observe that most students are eager to participate in this process. But at the same time, I would recommend GSM operators to provide fast and discounted internet packages for students. At the same time, as a step towards social responsibility for coronavirus, many of the world's leading universities and platforms offer free online training. It would also be useful for students to take advantage of these opportunities.

In conclusion, I wish all our students good health and see them soon in the BEU auditoriums.