Introduction. At the end of 2022, the academic and pedagogical community around the world was concerned about the launch of ChatGPT, a chatbot with artificial intelligence and extensive automatic text generation capabilities, which were instantly and effectively tested by individual students, but for not the noblest purposes. Along with the concern, an understanding appeared that the matter of the pedagogical capabilities of ChatGPT for the development of cognitive activity of students is extremely relevant and requires careful study, and the use of artificial intelligence in education opens up many prospects. 

Aim. To  investigate the pedagogical opportunities of  neural networks, exemplified by ChatGPT, for the development of cognitive activity of higher education students. 

Methods. Theoretical sociological methods (analysis, synthesis, generalisation, induction, and deduction) and general scientific methods of  empirical research (pedagogical observation, description, survey). 

Results. The research provides a definition of the concept “cognitive activity.” Pedagogical opportunities of  using ChatGPT for cognitive activity development are identified, especially those related to  information search, perception, and processing: fostering critical thinking, creativity, cognitive interest, motivation to learn, reflexivity, and skills development related to  individual disciplines. The advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in the educational process are studied. 

Scientific novelty. At  present, numerous studies focus on  the application of  neural networks in various fields, yet the use of such networks in education is a relatively new direction. This work aims to identify new approaches to teaching and fostering cognitive activity of students, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of education. 

Practical significance. The investigation of  the pedagogical potential of  ChatGPT for the development of  cognitive activity in  students has practical significance for refining teaching and education methods, devising new educational models, and improving the quality of education and cognitive skills development of students. The research findings can be utilised by educators, curriculum designers, and technology developers to enhance existing teaching methods, create new ones, and broaden the boundaries of knowledge. Furthermore, the research results can be applied to the development of intellectual systems.

Introduction. Considering the current trends in  the development of  the Russian state, which is taking place in unprecedented conditions of sanctions pressure and instability of the global economy, the need for the highest quality of state administration is becoming more urgent, which is directly determined by the quality of training of future employees of public authorities. These circumstances require the study of existing scientific approaches to the training of future specialists in the field of state and municipal administration. 

Aim. Substantiation of the methodology and possibility of applying the fractal-existential approach to the organisation and implementation of educational activities for the training of future employees of public authorities in higher education. 

Methods. The methodological basis of  the study was general logical methods of  scientific knowledge, methods of qualitative content analysis, methods of the fractal approach, existential analysis, and existential pedagogy. 

Results. The foundations of a fractal-existential approach, presented in the form of a semantic core, principles, a personal-semantic and organisational fractal of educational activities for the training of future employees of public authorities. 

Scientific novelty. The new methodology for training future specialists in  the field of state and municipal management, based on the principles of existential pedagogy and the fractal essence of educational activity, is substantiated. 

Practical significance. The results obtained can be used by universities as a methodology for organising educational activities in the higher education system for training future employees of public authorities.