Use of the competency and modular approaches to the organization of the laboratory workshop for students of different levels of training

This article describes the basic implementation principles of a laboratory course developed at the Department of Quantum Electronics and Photonics (Radiophysics Faculty of Tomsk State University). The basis of this course is a unitary technical base: an experimental complex of laboratory works on fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL) allowing to conduct laboratory practicals for students of different levels of training (bachelors, masters and specialists) within the disciplines "Fiber-Optic Communication Lines" and "Optical Devices in Radiotechnics". The peculiarity of this course is using a technique based on the competency building and modular approaches. While developing this technique, the authors have used the following fundamental factors: federal state educational standards of new generation, requirements of employers to future graduates, as well as the efficiency of students' learning of educational material. The laboratory course consists of several blocks (modules). Each of them is intentionally developed for different levels of students' training. For example, the physical "module" is aimed at training of the future bachelors. It contains sections that give students knowledge in the field of fundamental optical phenomena and physics of the processes taking place in optical fibers during transmission of light pulses. The technical "module" logically continues the former one and develops knowledge and skills in the field of technologies of measurement of optical fiber parameters. Students studying for a master's degree are suggested to choose one or more projects on design, calculation of FOCL parameters and conducting possible investigations of parameters of a developed communication line. The authors have chosen the virtual educational system MOODLE as the basis for this educational medium. In this system electronic educational resources for every module in the laboratory course are developed. This system has opportunities for report presentation and assessment for laboratory works. It also has a forum for remote communication between students and the professor. Thus, it is possible to say that the educational medium the authors created meets all the modern requirements for training courses and programs. The technique underlying this medium allows to develop necessary professional competences of students and prepare highly trained professionals demanded on labor market.

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