The ENU Department of Online Learning conducted video filming at archaeological excavations in the Abai region in order to create a MOOC on field archaeology

From July 1 to 4, 2025, staff members of the Department of Online Learning at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (ENU) traveled to the village of Toktamys in the Abai Region to film archaeological excavations. The materials collected during this expedition will be used to create a practice-oriented Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in the discipline «Field Archaeology».

This marked the department team’s first on-site experience with real field research, made possible by the invitation of Ulan Umitkaliyev, Head of the Department of Archaeology. The filming was conducted in close collaboration with ENU archaeologists working at one of the key Early Bronze Age sites. During the video shoot, the stages of excavation, handling of artifacts, and methods of recording archaeological data were documented. In addition, interviews were conducted with expedition leaders and participants, including guests from Cambridge and the British Museum.

The creation of a MOOC in field archaeology will not only provide ENU students with up-to-date educational content but also make unique materials accessible to a wider interested audience. This represents an important step toward integrating science, practical experience, and digital educational technologies.

The department staff express their gratitude to their archaeologist colleagues for their support and emphasize the importance of such experiences in improving the quality and authenticity of educational resources.