MODERN CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ; СУЧАСНІ ВИКЛИКИ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ В ЗАКЛАДАХ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ

The article addresses the problem of active implementation of distance learning technologies. The global pandemic has become a catalyst that instantly increased the challenges faced by educational institutions in Ukraine. The two terms “distance learning” and “distance education” require clear definition. Distance learning is defined as the interaction between teachers and students at a distance, while distance education is considered as education received through distance learning. Distance learning offers several undeniable advantages. Applicants for higher education can study at a convenient time, in a familiar environment and at a relatively autonomous pace. The core feature of distance learning at HEIs is ensuring the access to electronic educational resources by using modern information technologies and telecommunication networks. Accordingly, the problem of the lack of quality aids (microphones and cameras) for stable video communication between both sides of the learning process often arises. Preparing a teacher to work in a distance education mode is an important issue, since its content and form differ from traditional ones materially. With the transition to distance learning, it is necessary to change and to adapt the structure, content and teaching methods. When creating e-learning courses, teachers have to cover all teaching and learning materials as well as course materials in the e-learning system. Distance learning dictates a new role for educators and introduces fundamentally different communication characteristics in relation to teachers and students. In relation to the remote assessment of knowledge several problematic situations occur. During “remote” forms of knowledge assessment, it is almost impossible to identify a person virtually located behind a display. The success of distance learning also depends on the students' ability for selforganisation. Some students have demonstrated inability for self-organisation and self-learning. Hence, scholars put forward requirements for changes to be ...