Usachov V.A., Gensyur M.M.         Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade named after Mykhailo Tugan-Baranovsky

Distance learning in Ukraine nowadays.

Distance learning is a form of education, recognized in Ukraine. Intensive development of distance education in Europe and America began in the 70's. In Ukraine distance learning is being implemented since 2000.

   Distance education in Ukraine is governed by the concept of development of distance education in Ukraine and the Regulations on Distance Education MES. By distance learning is a complex of educational services provided by the remote school students with specialized educational environment, based on the means of sharing educational information through modern telecommunication technologies.

   Remote can learn:

  • persons with a secondary (complete) general education, vocational education, higher education non-legal, capable and able to acquire the knowledge and training to carry out the plan with the help of distance learning technologies.

The entire process for distance education is through the Internet, as well as using other forms of communication and technology. The courses are in accordance with the teaching and thematic plans. To obtain a certificate of training students must complete a series of control tasks or projects.

   The average training period is:

• on the basis of secondary (complete) general education - 6 years;

• post-secondary vocational education - 4.5 years;

• based on higher non-legal education - 3 years.

  Most of the training is paid. However, some companies offer free distance learning, but basically it is a demo version of the course.

  In world practice, there are three traditional forms of educational institutions offering distance learning:

• «natural» remote universities;

• corporate training providers and / or training courses;

• traditional universities offering training on-line.

  There are several models of distance learning:

• training on the type of external studies;

• university studies;

• cooperation of several educational institutions;

• autonomy of educational institutions;

• Autonomous learning systems;

• informal, integrated distance learning through multimedia programs.

   Modern distance education is based on the following key elements:

 - Medium of communication (e-mail, television, radio, information communication networks)

 - Methods that are dependent on the technical environment of information exchange.

  Today is promising interact with students through information and communication networks, of which stood out among the mass of Internet users. In 2003 the initiative group ADL started developing a standard remote interactive learning SCORM, which involves extensive use of Internet technologies. Introduction of standards contributes to both deepen requirements to the e-learning and software requirements. Currently, there are domestic software development, which are widely used by both domestic and foreign service providers to management.

  Distance learning allows you to:

 - To reduce the costs of training (no costs for rent, travel education, both students and teachers, and so on);

 - To train a large number of people;

 - To improve the quality of education through the use of modern, three-dimensional digital libraries, etc.

 - Create a unified learning environment (especially useful for corporate training).

  Disadvantages of distance learning:

  - The lack of full-time direct communication between student and teacher;

 - The need for a personal computer and internet access and maintain permanent access to information sources.

 - The problem of user authentication when testing knowledge. Because so far not offered the best technological solutions, most remote programs still involves full-time exams, or the installation of cameras at the side of the training and related software.

 - Lack of computer literacy, lack of experience in distance learning.

 - Limited use of standards in distance education, inadequate standards hampers reuse, sharing, re-use, compatibility, training materials.

 - The problem of finding experts highly skilled developers to create quality multimedia courses need a team of specialist subject area, artists, programmers, etc.

Distance learning contributes to massive expansion of education, making the courses affordable compared to traditional full-time education. However, we must note the poor quality of distance learning, which is natural in the context of existing priorities - minimizing costs.