The purpose of this article is an analysis of opportunities and description of the experience of developing and implementing augmented reality technologies to support the teaching of chemistry in higher education institutions of Ukraine. The article is aimed at solving problems: generalization and analysis of the results of scientific research concerning the advantages of using the augmented reality in the teaching of chemistry, the characteristics of modern means of creating objects of augmented reality; discussion of practical achievements in the development and implementation of teaching materials on chemistry using the technologies of the augmented reality in the educational process. The object of research is augmented reality, and the subject - the use of augmented reality in the teaching of chemistry. As a result of the study, it was found that technologies of augmented reality have enormous potential for increasing the efficiency of independent work of students in the study of chemistry, providing distance and continuous education. Often, the technologies of the augmented reality in chemistry teaching are used for 3D visualization of the structure of atoms, molecules, crystalline lattices, etc., but this range can be expanded considerably when creating its own educational products with the use of AR-technologies. The study provides an opportunity to draw conclusions about the presence of technologies in the added reality of a significant number of benefits, in particular, accessibility through mobile devices; availability of free, accessible and easy-to-use software for creating augmented-reality objects and high efficiency in using them as a means of visibility. The development and implementation of teaching materials with the use of AR-technologies in chemistry teaching at the Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University has been started in the following areas: creation of a database of chemical dishes, creation of a virtual chemical laboratory for qualitative chemical analysis, creation of a set of methodical materials for the course “Physical and colloidal chemistry”.

The article dwells upon the scientifically relevant problem of using cloud-based GIS-technologies when training future geography teachers (based on ArcGIS Online application). The authors outline the basic principles for implementing ArcGIS Online in the educational process (interdisciplinary integration, the sequence of individualization in training, communicability, distance education and regional studies), and provide an example of an interactive map created with the help of the specified cloud GIS, since this kind of map is the most popular a form of research by geography students. In the article it is noted that integration of ArcGIS Online into the educational process allows the teacher to follow a clear pedagogical strategy, taking into account possible variants of its use (demonstration, direct mastering of GIS in a computer class and independent work in an individual mode). Considering cloud GIS as a new stage in the development of geoinformational education, the authors emphasize their key benefits (round-the-clock access, work with GIS package in the cloud, the ability to use other maps as well as the creation of their own maps and web-applications) and disadvantages (monetization of services, underestimation of the GIS role in the curriculum of the higher school, the lack of Ukrainian content, etc.).

The paper deals with the problem of out-of-class students’ independent work in information and communication learning environment based on cloud technologies. Results of appropriate survey among students of pedagogical university are discussed. The students answered the questions about systematicity of their learning activity and propositions for its improving. It is determined that the leading problems are needs in more careful instruction according to features of the task completing, insufficient experience in self-management, the lack of internal motivation. Most of all, students recommend to provide the tasks with detail instruction (oral or written) and to pay attention to careful planning the time that is necessary for full completion of the task. It is pointed that such complicated requirements can be satisfied only by complex use of information and communication technologies as well as the automated system of pedagogical diagnostics. Some requirements for management of students’ out-of-classroom independent work are formulated as a result of this discussion.

The paper deals with the urgent problem of application of virtual reality in foreign language training. Statistical data confirms that the number of smartphone users, Internet users, including wireless Internet users, has been increasing for recent years in Ukraine and tends to grow. The coherence of quick mobile Internet access and presence of supplementary equipment enables to get trained or to self-dependently advance due to usage of virtual reality possibilities for education in the stationary classrooms, at home and in motion. Several important features of virtual reality, its advantages for education are discussed. It is noted that virtual reality is remaining a relatively new technology in language learning. Benefits from virtual reality implementation into foreign language learning and teaching are given. The aspects of immersion and gamification in foreign language learning are considered. It is emphasized that virtual reality creates necessary preconditions for motivation increasing. The results of the survey at two higher education institution as to personal experience in using VR applications for learning foreign languages are presented. Most students at both universities have indicated quite a low virtual reality application usage. Six popular virtual reality applications for foreign language learning (Mondly, VRSpeech, VR Learn English, Gold Lotus, AltSpaceVR and VirtualSpeech) are analyzed. It is stated that the most preferred VR application for foreign language learning includes detailed virtual environment for maximal immersion, high- level visual effects similar to video games, simple avatar control, thorough material selection and complete complicity level accordance of every element and aspect, affordability, helpful and unobtrusive following up.

The paper is tended to investigate the gamification activities use in educational electronic environment of maritime higher education institutions. Gamification methods with examples are described (gamification testing, QR Code quest, storytelling and escape room). Comparative characteristic of traditional learning and learning using gamification in educational electronic environment is given in the article according to different criteria: the place and role of teacher or students in the learning process; type of information communication; methods of training; equipment; level of freedom of the actions; presence of the problems in educational process; level of its control and learning outcomes. The paper also presents examples of gamification activities based on escape room quest to form communicative competency of future maritime professionals. Escape room activity presented in the article contains storytelling element, crossword and electronic testing questions of different types. Question types listed in the paper are Drag and drop to the text, Short answer and Multiple choice. Escape room activity was done by second year cadets of Kherson State Maritime Academy. According to the received results, knowledge quality increased by 10% and success by 20%. Further investigation of gamification activities can also be done for learning system of maritime higher education institutions using simulation technologies of virtual, augmented and mixed realities.