MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES AS A MEANS OF BORDER GUARDS’ PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years as a modern learning technology. This paper examines the issue of developing professional competencies in further training of border guards through MOOCs. Mobile learning, distance education, use of the information technologies have been differentiated. The preparation for life-long learning is especially important for border guards due to the rapid development of the information technology. Further education helps them counter threats to national security, conflicts and non-standard situations at the border crossing points, and new methods violators use to forge documents, to smuggle goods and to cross the state border. The use of MOOCs for advanced training in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has been analyzed. The purpose of the article is to analyze the application of MOOCs for developing professional competencies of border guards. Each MOOC is aimed at developing the Integral competence, General competencies and Professional (special) competencies of border guard officers. The ability to communicate in English is one of the special competencies of border guards, and it is essential for effective protection of the state border. The peculiarities of development of MOOC “Conducting the second line check at border crossing points” for training of border guards who serve in the border guard units and want to be promoted to higher positions have been investigated. The experiment was carried out at the Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine and involved 276 border guards. The analysis of the results of the developed distance course testified its effectiveness. The generalization of feedback from the participants in this course also indicated an increase in the motivation of border guards to develop personal professional skills, especially for communication in a foreign language. The results of the study have been further discussed and the practical suggestions for MOOC developers have been outlined.