An international conference was held in ZKU

On 20 October 2026, M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University hosted the International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled “Current Scientific and Practical Aspects of Education Development in the era of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence”. The event brought together researchers from Kazakhstan and other countries, lecturers from higher education institutions and colleges, doctoral and master’s students, and undergraduate students. More than 130 papers addressing current issues in the digital transformation of education, the application of artificial intelligence, and the implementation of innovative educational technologies were presented during the conference.
The conference was organized by M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University, Belgorod State National Research University, and B. B. Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University. Representatives of the academic and educational communities of Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan participated in the conference. The broad geographical representation of the participants highlighted the international nature of the event and the importance of professional cooperation in addressing the current challenges of contemporary education.
The plenary session was opened by G. S. Kaisagaliyeva, Acting Chairperson of the Management Board-Rector of M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University and Associate Professor. The session was moderated by G. A. Yergaliyeva, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
Leading Kazakhstani and international researchers participated in the plenary session and presented the findings of their research in the fields of digital transformation in education and the application of artificial intelligence. The plenary speakers included G. V. Makotrova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor at Belgorod State National Research University, Russian Federation; K. A. Nurgaliyev, Candidate of Psychological Sciences and Associate Professor; B. K. Vasić, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Serbia; L. V. Obydenkina, Candidate of Psychological Sciences and Director of the West Kazakhstan Regional Branch of the Center of Excellence of the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools Autonomous Educational Organization; Beata Skotnicka, PhD in Social Sciences in the discipline of Pedagogy and representative of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland; A. Kh. Kazetova, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Senior Lecturer; E. S. Nikitinsky, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor; and other scholars. The presentations made it possible to examine the digital transformation of education from various scientific and practical perspectives. In particular, the participants discussed the training of future teachers, changes in teaching approaches, the provision of digital inclusion, the development of students’ academic autonomy, and the interdisciplinary application of artificial intelligence.
The conference continued with three thematic sections: psychological and pedagogical aspects of teaching in a digital environment; international cooperation and teacher training in the context of artificial intelligence development; and digital inclusion and the development of learners’ soft skills through gamification and immersive technologies. During the sectional sessions, the participants presented studies on the application of artificial intelligence in preschool and primary education, the development of teachers’ digital competencies, the promotion of critical thinking, adherence to the principles of academic integrity, and support for learners’ psychological well-being. The opportunities offered by gamification, immersive technologies, and digital educational resources to improve the quality of teaching and broaden access to education were also discussed. The conference became an important platform for scientific dialogue, the exchange of research findings, and the dissemination of innovative educational practices. The event was particularly significant because it brought together academic communities from different countries and created opportunities to discuss not only the technological potential of artificial intelligence but also the pedagogical, psychological, and ethical aspects of its application.
The participants focused on preserving human potential in education, developing critical thinking, enhancing teachers’ digital competence, and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all. The conference contributed to strengthening international academic ties, expanding professional cooperation, and developing practical recommendations aimed at addressing the current challenges of the modern education system. Following the event, an electronic collection of the conference proceedings is planned for publication. 
The International Scientific and Practical Conference held at M. Utemisov West Kazakhstan University once again demonstrated the relevance of collaborative scientific research and the importance of responsibly integrating digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality and accessibility of education.