FEATURES OF MODERN DISTANCE EDUCATION: POTENTIAL AND NEW USE OF OPPORTUNITY

Abstract

Abstract. Nowadays, the concept of distance education is widely known. With the development of new multimedia and communication technologies, distance learning is widely introduced by various institutions and universities around the world. For teachers, this provides an entirely new potential for the spread of their knowledge and skills, and for those who study – a great opportunity to get the various information they are interested in. The current socio-economic changes in Ukraine have put forward new challenges of higher education, the implementation of which is possible through the intensive implementation of information and communication technologies in the educational process.The basis of distance learning is the use of multimedia in the indirect communication of students with a supportive organization, which can have at least two forms: the first one is onesided sending by the supporting organization of educational materials, the second – the bilateral interaction between the student and the organization.Today, communication among students who create the so-called chats is also widespread. Computer technologies make possible asynchronous discussions. This enhances the flexibility that has been making distance education useful for adults from the very beginning, and provides joint training. The use of computer technology in distance education enables to search the global network when almost unlimited amount of information becomes available to students. Information searches, as well as hyperlinks, can be used to increase students’ independent work. Therefore, distance learning is often viewed as a type of learning that requires a degree of maturity and independence from students. Also, distance learning is widely used for the sake of academic socialization, that is a part of the so-called emotional learning. Prepared in advance courses can be easily used by a large number of students with great financial advantage. There is a combination of individualism, which concerns the interaction of students, tutor and mass communication. Therefore, teaching should be accessible at any place where students are located, and they have a great responsibility for learning. The teaching system should offer a wide range of subjects, forms of instruction and techniques, using all relevant educational and technical media. Media tools and applied technologies should be effective and easy to use, reinforce each other and the structure of the subject and the curriculum.