A NEW LABORATORY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DIGITAL PEDAGOGY NAMED AFTER KUMASH NURGALIYEV HAS BEEN OPENED AT SARSEN AMANZHOLOV EAST KAZAKHSTAN UNIVERSITY.

A ceremonial opening of the Kumash Nurgaliyev Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Pedagogy took place at Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University.

The event was held within the framework of the jubilee forum dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kumash Nurgaliyev — a People’s Teacher of the USSR, an outstanding educator and enlightenment figure. The main purpose of the forum and the opening of the laboratory is to honor the memory of the nation’s distinguished teachers, present their work as an example for the younger generation, and strengthen the spiritual foundations of the state through the development of patriotism and national identity.

The new laboratory is designed to become an innovative center for the advancement of artificial intelligence and digital pedagogy in higher education. Its work focuses on implementing modern digital solutions in the learning process, improving teaching practices, and elevating the professional training of future teachers to a new level.

This initiative aligns with the strategic priorities outlined by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his Address to the People of Kazakhstan — in particular, the development of education based on artificial intelligence and the improvement of digital pedagogy. The laboratory’s work represents a concrete step toward implementing these national priorities at the regional level.

The opening of the Kumash Nurgaliyev Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Pedagogy marks an important milestone in the strategic development of Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University. This project not only expands the university’s research, innovation, and project activities, but also provides a strong impetus for the advancement of digital pedagogy and the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into Kazakhstan’s education system.

The laboratory is set to implement research initiatives and startup projects aimed at developing a new model of digital education. It will also expand partnerships at the regional and international levels, creating new opportunities for the professional growth of the next generation of teachers.

Several AI-based digital agents are already being developed within the laboratory:
Al-KÓMEKSHI — an intelligent assistant that reminds students about class schedules, exam dates, and deadlines, provides access to the library, and answers frequently asked questions;
Al-ÚSTAZ — an AI agent that analyzes a student’s academic performance, identifies weaknesses, and offers an individualized learning trajectory;
Al-DÁRIS — a smart scheduling system that optimizes class timetables by taking into account classroom availability, and the preferences of students and faculty.

These projects represent the first series of domestic educational startups developed in the laboratory and reflect the practical implementation of the innovative goals outlined in the President’s Address.

During the opening ceremony, the Rector of the university, Mukhtar Tolegen, stated:

“The Kumash Nurgaliyev Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Pedagogy is an important initiative that will serve as a catalyst for innovative development not only of our university but of the entire region. This project is one of the concrete steps in fulfilling President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to develop the educational process based on artificial intelligence. By honoring the work of our teachers, we are opening a new technological era in education,” said Mukhtar Tolegen, Rector of EKU.

The establishment of the laboratory is yet another step by Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University toward building a modern educational environment. The project is aimed at improving the quality of education through the use of artificial intelligence and fostering innovative thinking among future teachers.