APPLICATION OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES IN DEVELOPING ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETENCES OF FUTURE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS

Abstract

The article examines the issue of developing environmental competences of future geography teachers in the context of education digitalization. The relevance of the topic is determined by global environmental challenges and the need to train pedagogical professionals capable of fostering environmental awareness and culture among the younger generation. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the role of modern information technologies in the process of forming environmental competences of future geography teachers and to identify effective methodological approaches to their application. Research methods: analysis of scientific sources, comparison of pedagogical experience, and generalization of practices related to the use of digital tools in the training of geography students. Research results. The study analyzes scientific literature, compares pedagogical experience, and summarizes the practice of using digital tools in the training of geography students. Examples are provided of using information technologies in the educational process, particularly in teaching the course “Fundamentals of Ecology and Human Ecology” to students majoring in А4.07 Secondary Education (Geography) as a means of developing environmental competences. The potential of GIS technologies, interactive cartographic services, educational platforms (Moodle, Google Classroom), virtual laboratories, and mobile applications for the development of geography students’ environmental competences is analyzed. It is shown that the combination of activity-based, project, and interactive approaches with the use of IT ensures practice-oriented learning and contributes to the formation of a responsible attitude toward the environment. The results demonstrate that the use of information technologies in the professional training of geography teachers has several advantages: increased student motivation, development of research and analytical skills, and integration of environmental topics into the educational process. At the same time, the study highlights challenges such as insufficient digital literacy, limited technical resources, and the need for improved methodological support. It is emphasized that information technologies create new opportunities for integrating environmental knowledge into the educational process, fostering the development of geography students’ research skills, critical thinking, and spatial data application. The use of modern IT is an important factor in enhancing the effectiveness of environmental education in higher education institutions.