The use of mobile applications in the study of specialists in the hospitality industry to improve the quality of their training

Abstract

The problem and the purpose. The modernization of the educational system involves the use of technologies based on artificial intelligence, AR, VR, and mobile platforms. The inclusion of mobile tools in the training of workers in the hospitality industry meets the requirements for training programs for highly qualified professionals in this area and the challenges of world economic integration. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the effectiveness the use of mobile applications in the training of hospitality industry specialists to improve the quality of their training. Research methods. Theoretical and methodological analysis and generalization are used in determining the content and problems of mobile learning and identifying the prospects for the development of travel applications. For designing mobile applications, the authors chose the iBuildApp tool. A test was developed, including the blocks "Fundamentals of tourism activities" (20 points), and "Mobile applications in the hospitality industry" (20 points). The study involved 50 students of Vyatka State University from the Faculty of Management and Service and 50 students of Russian State Agrarian University named after K. A. Timiryazev, Institute of Economics and Management (Russian Federation). The direction of training: "Tourism", profile: "Technology and organization of excursion services". Pearson's χ2 (chi-square) test was used as a statistical processing method. Statistical data processing was performed by means of Pearson's χ2 (chi-square) test. Results. The development and use of mobile applications in the experimental group were carried out in the following stages: analysis of mobile travel applications, requests, and opportunities of the hospitality industry; working in a software environment to create a mobile application; project presentation and application in practice. Statistically significant differences in the qualitative changes that occurred in the training system were determined (χ2 = 6.017; p < 0.05). In conclusion presents decisions about the features of using mobile applications in training specialists in the hospitality industry, contributing to improving the quality of their training: new opportunities for collaboration and project activities, cost optimization, innovative work experience, etc. However, there are also negative aspects: a decrease in the overall level of oral communication, the risks of losing the phone and personal data leaks, distraction, and addiction.