Distance learning effectiveness at the post-graduate level of education during martial law in Ukraine

Abstract

Annotation. The introduction of martial law in Ukraine caused a change in the form of education from full-time studies to distance learning and determined new challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions. In order to assess the effectiveness of distance learning there was conducted a survey of 295 doctors who were trained at Donetsk National Medical University (DNMU). It has become relevant to provide future specialists with methodical guidelines adapted for distance learning; e-textbooks and training aids allowing to use graphic, sound and video information as much as possible. First of all, technical limitations were noted among the disadvantages of distance learning. In addition, not all education seekers had a sufficient level of computer education. But there were also psychological aspects associated with the lack of live communication between a teacher and a doctor that is very important for practical activities. Among the positive points of distance learning, it should be noted that the quality of this form is not inferior to the quality of full-time studies as it contributes to the development of self-organization of students; it provides an opportunity to get an education at a convenient time regardless of place of residence, state of health or social status; it’s an effective introduction of video materials into the educational process. The transition to distance learning significantly increased the number of class attendance due to online participation and viewing of lectures and practical sessions, as well as access to electronic materials after their conducting without time limits. Thus, GoogleClassroom is a convenient platform for learning with the help of which the postgraduate education system can be made flexible, interactive and personalized as much as possible. Additional use of video communication, messengers, e-mail was suggested. Despite the fact that distance learning has a number of advantages, its effectiveness remains a rather debatable issue. We consider the wide use of the possibilities of cloud services, e-textbooks and computer training programs to be promising.