Pandemia a transformacja cyfrowa. Wyzwania dla szkolnictwa wyższego

Abstract

The article considers the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for higher education in Ukraine and in the world. The results of research by the International Association of Universities, the European University Association, the European Association for International Education are analyzed. The impact of the pandemic on teaching and learning is determined. International academic mobility and cooperation, as well as the financial situation of higher education are described. In addition, diffculties, fears and challenges faced by higher education institutions around the world during the corona crisis, which require swift and adequate action, are presented. The main part of the article shows the results of a survey of teachers and students of higher education institutions of Ukraine, devoted to the analysis of problems and challenges faced by students in the transition to distance learning, as well as new productive opportunities created by the online format. The main problems faced by the main participants in the educational process include the quality of teaching and organization of the distance learning process, the growth of the workload of teachers and students, technical and fiancial problems. The results of the survey show both the assessment and satisfaction with the measures already taken by higher education institutions to ensure quality and effective distance learning, and help to understand the next productive steps to be taken to expand teaching and distance learning opportunities and access to learning opportunities during life. Educators’ assessment of the opportunities and benefis created by the distance learning format demonstrates the motivation of teachers to improve their own skills and abilities, mastering the new tools required by the distance learning format. In the case of students, such advantages become first of all economical ones, e.g. expansion of opportunities for a combination of study and work as well as economy of time and means.