Educational Process Research Articles

Navigating proxy failures in education: Learning from human and animal play.

The notion of proxy failure provides considerable insight into educational processes, and in childhood education has the potential to elucidate known problems stemming from the early implementation of overly regulated educational regimes. This commentary expands on play and how its relation to learning provides a useful perspective on how activities based on nongoal-oriented interactions can lead to desired outcomes.

Анализ тревожности студентов первого и второго курсов (на примере Петрозаводского государственного университета)

The level of anxiety in modern stressful and foreign policy unfavorable conditions becomes one of the determining factors in the educational process, before the new reforms in the sphere of education there is a problem of organization of pedagogical process in students with high level of anxiety. In this article we study the actual indicators of personality and reactive anxiety in students of Petrozavodsk State University, we obtained data on statistically reliable differences in personality anxiety in students of different genders. We also conducted a systematic analysis of the literature on the platform elibrary.ru, which allowed us to obtain data on the average level of anxiety in students of different institutions of higher education from 2010 to 2022. The used indicators of the results were the values of the methodology ShRLT (Reactive (situational) and personality anxiety scale) C.D. Spielberger-J.L. Khanin.

Smart School Application: Enhancing Educational Outcomes and Processes

As digital tools become more integral to education, smart school applications are gaining prominence due to their diverse functionalities, including e-libraries, attendance systems, leader boards, quizzes, event scheduling, real-time notifications, and more. This review delves into how these applications enhance administrative efficiency, foster better communication, increase student engagement, and improve learning outcomes, while also considering the implementation challenges and proposing strategies for successful integration. The paper highlights the necessity for educational institutions to carefully evaluate these technologies before adoption, focusing on how they can effectively enhance academic performance and streamline educational processes. Through a comprehensive exploration of these tools, it provides valuable insights and recommendations for schools contemplating the integration of advanced technological solutions into their educational framework. Key Words: edtech, degitalization, smartschools, performance, management

A study of the propensity for communicative aggressiveness in cadet pilots

The article presents a model of personal resource of a civil aviation pilot and the experience of studying one of the components of this model – a communicative resource. The article analyses the results of a study of the propensity for communicative aggressiveness of the 5th year cadets of the Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation named after the Chief Marshal of Aviation B.P. Bugaev who are studying in the field of “Organization of flight work”. 83 people participated in the study. V.V. Bojko’s questionnaire “Determination of integral forms of communicative aggressiveness” was used as a diagnostic tool. This technique is designed to assess a person’s predisposition to aggression in various situations and contains 11 parameters of explicit and hidden forms of aggressive human behaviour. The article substantiates the relevance of studying communicative aggressiveness as a professional destruction of civil aviation pilots. The analysis of the average group and personal values of various parameters characterising the respondents’ propensity to aggressive manifestations was conducted. Recommendations are given on the development of emotional intelligence of future civil aviation pilots in the conditions of their higher professional education. The experience of the Ulyanovsk Institute of Civil Aviation in the prevention and correction of educational and professional stress of participants in the educational process is presented.

Organization of Effective Interaction Between the Employer and the Educational Organization in the Professional Training of Engineers

The development of modern industry actualizes the issues of organizing interaction with educational organizations that conduct professional training of engineers, because the "personnel shortage" is obvious. On the other hand, educational organizations cannot carry out professional training without focusing on the requirements of industry, and without fulfilling the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard 3++ in terms of practical training. Thus, the organization of effective interaction between the employer and the educational organization is necessary for both sides of the process.The authors of the article highlighted the conditions for the organization of interaction between an employer and an educational organization, compliance with which will help bring the professional training of engineering personnel to a qualitatively new level and make it the most effective. These authors include: taking into account and using the historically established experience of Russian and Soviet vocational education; application of the practice of interaction of foreign educational organizations; application of the principles of continuity, continuity; the intersection of the educational space of the educational organization and the internal environment of the enterprise; creation of a regional sectoral integration educational space.The purpose of the article is to describe the conditions for effective interaction between an employer and an educational organization. The authors give examples of foreign and domestic pedagogical experience that can be used in the practice of vocational training.Within the framework of this study, the following methods were used: the method of historical and pedagogical research was used to study foreign and domestic pedagogical experience. The conclusions were formulated through the use of the method of observation of the educational process and the analysis of pedagogical experience.The authors come to the conclusion that compliance with the conditions described in the publication is important and can be used to create a pedagogical system of professional training of engineers.

The use of technology in physical education of students: prospects and challenges

Relevance. In this scientific work, the issue of using modern technologies in physical education of students is considered.The purpose of the study is to analyze existing approaches to the use of technologies in physical education of students, to identify their effectiveness and limitations, as well as to determine the prospects for the development of this field. Research methods. The article analyzes various aspects of the application of technologies, including virtual reality, mobile applications and wearable devices, in the context of their impact on the motivation of physical activity. The advantages and limitations of using technologies in physical education are considered, as well as the prospects for the development of this field. The results of the study. The study presents an analysis of existing approaches and the use of technology in physical education, as well as makes recommendations for the implementation of technological solutions in the educational process. Conclusions. The use of technology in physical education of students is a promising area that can significantly improve the effectiveness of teaching and motivation of students.

CONECTANDO RESISTÊNCIA E AFETOS COM A CONSTRUÇÃO DE UM GRAFITE NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL

This article sought to narrate the daily development of a pedagogical activity using digital graffiti with Early Childhood Education students from a public school in Aparecida de Goiânia, during the transition from the Covid-19 pandemic to the post-pandemic period. The aim is to demonstrate how the practice of digital graffiti can be employed in Early Childhood Education to promote children’s creative expression and socio-emotional education. The methodology adopted was an exploratory, descriptive investigation based on the authors’ experiences and the adaptation of the Physical Education curriculum to incorporate digital graffiti activities. The sessions were structured in four stages, each inspired by songs and relevant artists from the Hip Hop movement, guiding reflections on the pandemic and the collective creation of digital graffiti. The main results include enhancing creative expression through digital graffiti and integrating digital technology into children’s educational processes. Additionally, the activity allowed participants to share experiences related to overcoming the pandemic period, strengthening their socio-emotional skills. It is concluded that digital graffiti can be used as an important curricular tool in Early Childhood Education, expanding interaction through play and paving the way for hybrid teaching models that combine innovative pedagogical practices in cyberculture.

Gamification as a Didactic Motivator in Low-Resource Public English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Classrooms in Ecuador

The present article explores the feasibility and impacts of Gamification as a motivational tool in classrooms within low-resource public institutions in Ecuador, particularly in teaching English as a Foreign Language. By integrating game design elements into the educational process, teachers tend to enhance student motivation, thus creating a more effective environment for language learning. Traditionally, educators in Ecuadorian public institutions face challenges in engaging students in their classes, often due to outdated teaching methodologies and limited access to educational and technological resources. This study focuses on how gamification can increase student motivation and foster a more stimulating and enjoyable learning environment in low-resource settings concerning English as a Foreign Language instruction. Through the incorporation of gaming elements, teachers can improve language acquisition, student engagement, and encourage collaborative learning, as evidenced by previous studies. The utilization of a qualitative-deductive approach allowed for data collection through an extensive literature review across various educational contexts. Results suggest that Gamification offers a promising perspective for overcoming challenges in traditional education, promoting active student participation. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential of Gamification to revolutionize teaching practice and enrich the entire educational experience.

Translating government policy into practice: How new UK medical schools enact widening participation.

Increasing the diversity of medical students, or widening participation (WP), is critical for social justice and healthcare delivery, and many governments are setting policies to encourage WP. However, establishing policy is only the first step in an educational change process: we also need to know "how" policy is enacted or how medical schools interpret and put into practice WP policy. Addressing this gap, the aim of this study was to examine policy enactment in six new UK medical schools with an explicit WP mandate. This qualitative study, underpinned by social constructivism, used semi-structured interviews to explore the experiences of key actors (6 Deans and 14 Admissions staff) of putting policy into practice when setting up a new medical school. Data coding and analysis were initially inductive, using thematic analysis. We then applied Ball's theory of policy enactment to organise the data into four contextual dimensions of 'situation', 'professional', 'material' and 'external'. On the surface, there were many similarities across the six schools in terms of the four dimensions. However, how these dimensions interacted illuminated tensions and differences. For example, some schools found themselves increasingly subjected to local and extra-local rule systems, including pressure to follow host university norms and hosts struggling to accept that medical schools are heavily regulated. There were also tensions between the new medical schools and the medical education "establishment", including lack of power and being judged by overly narrow outcomes. Different contexts seem to influence the enactment of WP to medicine in different places, even in the same country, even in medical schools established at the same time. That policy enactment is a complex, non-linear process of enactment is important to acknowledge: context is critical. Our findings will inform future policies and practices that aim to increase WP in medicine.

Examination of the psychological well-being of students during the coronavirus pandemic: The case of Hungarian economic universities

A long, familiar stage of life ends with graduation from secondary school. The closure of this phase can also be seen as a loss or mourning: saying goodbye to high school, parting with old friends, teachers, environment, etc. After entering the university, young people will be not only new students of higher education, but also new participants in the labor market, which means that they will have to satisfy both needs at the same time. The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic complicates this situation. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to understand the mental health status and problems of first-year students currently enrolled for three undergraduate business courses in Budapest. This research paper investigates whether the pressures, isolation, uncertainty, financial worries, loss of control, and moving back in with parents caused by the pandemic have had an impact on students’ mental health. This study used the EPOCH model. The EPOCH-H questionnaire was filled in by 1,719 first-year full-time students. Based on the results, a total of 8 main groups and its subgroups of factors were affected by the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic. These students will be workers in the future carrying these effects with them. According to the results, students’ mental health needs to be strengthened in typical educational processes, and maintaining and improving students’ mental health should be the focus of all higher education institutions in the future.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a questionnaire to measure university students’ knowledge on the effects of alcohol use during pregnancy

IntroductionAlcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This study developed and validated a questionnaire to assess university students’ knowledge regarding the effects of alcohol during pregnancy.MethodsWe designed an instrument with true-false-I do not know statements. Initially, 45 true statements were formulated and subjected to content validation by 19 experts. Based on the Content Validity Index (CVI), 17 items were selected. The instrument, called the Fetal Alcohol Consequences Test (FACT), was first assessed by 31 university students for the level of understanding. Then, the questionnaire was administered to a national Brazilian sample of university students, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted. Each correct FACT answer was worth 1 point, and the knowledge was categorized as high (total score ≥ 80%), moderate (score between 60 and 79%), and low (score ≤ 59%).ResultsWhen the questionnaire was being designed, the CVI values ranged from 0.779 to 1.0, and all statements were considered suitable by the target audience. For psychometric evaluation, 768 students from 24 Brazilian states participated. In the EFA, five statements were removed, revealing a tool with 12 items and two latent factors: “fetal alcohol spectrum disorders” and “conceptions and guidance on alcohol consumption during pregnancy.” The KMO index (0.76426) and Bartlett’s sphericity test (6362.6, df = 66, p < 0.00001) both supported the final EFA model. The goodness-of-fit indices for the factor structure were adequate: χ2 = 119.609, df = 43, p < 0.00001; RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.977; TLI = 0.965. The mean total FACT score among participants was 7.71 ± 2.98, with a median of 8; 32.03% of the students had high (10–12 points), 24.09% moderate (8–9 points), and 43.88% low knowledge (<8 points). The questionnaire proved reliable, with a floor effect of 1.17%, a ceiling effect of 9.25%, and a Cronbach’s alpha index of 0.798.ConclusionThe FACT can be utilized in university students’ health education processes, contributing to greater knowledge and information dissemination about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, in addition to the formulation of policies on the subject directed to this group of young adults.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching learning process in pre clinical medical education in selective medical college in Bangladesh

Background: The corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major disruption in educational sector including medical education. This disease outbreak has changed the medical education curriculum from traditional platform to elearning for students including Bangladesh. Objective: To observe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching learning process in medical education in Bangladesh. Methods: This qualitative survey was done among the 68 pre-clinical students aged 19 to 23years, of a non-government medical college in Bangladesh, from march to December 2021. All study participants were first year undergraduate MBBS students from anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. Data was collected by administering pre-tested questionnaires through Google form. Results: About 75% of the participants agreed that online classes were helpful during the home stay period of COVID pandemic, but about 92.2% of them were skeptical about the success of this online system for their future medical education. About 80.9% had difficulty in keeping their concentration during online class. About 94% found difficulty to follow online practical classes. Majority of the students (82.4%) feel anxious whether they were capable of doing their job properly since this method needs technical knowledge. About 50% students had limited access to internet, there were technical issues like power cut (76.5%), and poor network of internet (69.1%) also reduced the effectiveness of online education. Online class also disrupt teacher-student relationship. Conclusion: The internet based classes served the purpose of continuation of academic activity in medical education during adverse condition of COVID . But due to uneven use of technology it had some obstacles also. Student’s ability to learning in medical education was also hampered in the absence of physical classes. This online method of education system needs much improvement to be effective in medical education. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2022;17(2): 64-71

Transitioning to blended learning during COVID‐19: Exploring instructors and adult learners' experiences in three Ghanaian universities

AbstractTeaching and learning in higher education have increasingly become digitalized and associated with innovative pedagogical methodologies over the past decades. Following the sudden onset of the pandemic in March 2020, several studies tended to focus on traditional students' experiences with emergency remote education while literature is scarce on non‐traditional students (or adult learners) pedagogical experiences in Distance Education contexts. Using a qualitative case study approach, this study explored how digital technologies mediated instructors' and adult learners' educational experiences during COVID‐19 and their first‐time experiences with blended learning. Between October 2021 and July 2022, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 adult learners and 20 instructors in three selected public higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ghana. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's (2012) thematic analysis approach. The results showed that the transition to blended learning was supported by the adoption and integration of varied virtual online technologies. The themes highlight the positive and negative impacts of technology in mediating the educational experiences of instructors and adult learners in blended learning environments. The themes which reflected both instructors' and adult learners' experiences were enhanced course delivery and pedagogy, competency development, technological issues and poor‐quality pedagogy. Blended learning facilitated by technology could be the ‘new normal learning’ post‐pandemic for adult learners pursuing Distance Education in Ghana. The study recommends the implementation of agile strategies and policies by HEIs to ensure sustainable quality education in distance learning. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic The COVID‐19 pandemic necessitated the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education contexts. Technological transformations in information and communication technology (ICT) have enhanced remote teaching in higher education institutions globally. The educational experiences of educators and learners differ in blended learning contexts. What this paper adds Instructors and adult learners' positive experiences with navigating a variety of web‐based technologies during the educational process are negatively impacted by technological difficulties during online instruction. Participants' experiences of blended learning are mixed with a preference for face‐to‐face dimension of blended learning instead of the online dimension. The paper identifies four themes that characterize instructors and adult learners' experiences with technology‐enhanced learning including enhanced course delivery and pedagogy, competency development, technological issues and poor‐quality pedagogy. Implications for practice and/or policy The study provides evidence‐based information on the relevance of digitizing distance education for sustainable development and promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for distance education students. The research recommends that higher education institutions (HEIs) implement agile policies to facilitate a seamless shift to distance learning. HEIs may adopt open distance learning frameworks to streamline 21st century pedagogical and learning practices in distance‐blended learning environments for quality course instruction. The study highlights the potential distance learning modalities that HEIs can consider for Distance Education students to sustain effective quality teaching and learning.

Exploring Digital Competencies: Validation and Reliability of an Instrument for the Educational Community and for all Educational Stages

AbstractDigital competencies are very significant in terms of integrating digital resources into educational processes. This study presents the validity and reliability of an instrument created by Carrera et al. (2011), in order to evaluate the basic digital competence of the three main educational agents of the educational community (teachers, students, and parents) for all educational stages (Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education and Higher Education), making use of digital resources to (1) Skills in management and transfer of technological data, (2) Software and hardware skills, (3) Web navigation skills, (4) Skills in using word processors, (5) Data processing and management skills, y (6) Multimedia presentation design skills. The application of the instrument was carried out with a sample of 1,149 participants from all educational stages, coming from the entire territory of the Dominican Republic. Reliability was assessed using various measures, including Cronbach’s Alpha, Spearman-Brown Coefficient, Guttman’s Two Halves, McDonald’s Omega, and composite reliability. To validate the instrument, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were carried out with the purpose of understanding the validity and dimensionality of the scale (comprehension validity, construct validity, convergent, discriminant and invariance validity). The results demonstrated highly satisfactory reliability, and in terms of construct validity, a good fit of the model was observed, valid for any educational agent and for any educational stage. The final version of the instrument consists of 20 items classified into six latent factors.

User-generated content effectiveness in co-creation of online higher educational services

ABSTRACT Improvement of student services is increasingly important for institutions providing higher education in today's competitive market. Consequently, leveraging the online content generated by students is an effective means of actively involving customers in the educational process. As a result, the co-creation of innovative educational services through user-generated content (UGC) has become imperative. Engaging students in the service development process requires the adoption of an appropriate New Service Development (NSD) model, enabling the implementation of a co-creation strategy. The present study investigates this phenomenon by examining user-generated content on a website dedicated to higher education services. Employing the thematic analysis approach, 46 themes were identified that can be utilized in the development of new higher educational services. The findings demonstrate the potential of user-generated content in implementing a co-creation strategy at every stage of the new service development process.

An Analysis of Student's Academic Achievement in Genetic Algorithms Based on Mobile Learning Applications

Several scholars have focused on this area due to the significance of mobile technology in the educational process, resulting in a substantial body of scholarly work. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of mobile learning on students’ academic performance. The meta-analysis approach was utilized in this research. The available research was examined using several databases to find the relevant studies that were within the scope of the investigation. The study’s inclusion criteria and components were implemented following a literature review. This research proposes a mobile education system approach based on genetic algorithms to address the issues with the current system. The analysis findings indicate that most of them stay at around 10%. The salary only slightly increases when numerous individuals teach, but it also falls within a regular, appropriate range that can accommodate more complex tasks. According to the factor analysis findings, the influence of mobile educational devices on students’ learning performance varied depending on the course and subject. However, it remained constant regardless of the students’ education level and implementation duration. Apart from the previously mentioned research findings, this article also includes a descriptive analysis of the studies that were part of the meta-analysis.

FEATURES AND POTENTIALS OF NON-FORMAL ADULT EDUCATION IN UKRAINIAN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

The aim of the article ii to define features and potentials of non-formal adult education in Ukrainian educational environment that is focused on adult learners` development and motivation; effective change management; the challenge of real life adult learners can face; ability to prove adult learners can use knowledge to introduce themselves professionally and communicate effectively in everyday situations and work. General scientific methods such as analysis, synthesis and generalization of the scientific information on different theoretical approaches to the problem of non-formal adult education have been used. One of the most important tasks at the present stage of modernizing non-formal adult education in national teaching and learning process is to ensure teaching quality according to both national and international requirements as well as support adult learners in delivering successful learning preparing them for future challenges. This issue is partly a reaction to the rapid changes in technologies adult learners can see around and experience on a daily basis. Information technologies, effective tools and timely forehanded receiving of information are becoming essential and crucial factors in the teaching lifelong education process. There is a need to bring into focus the non-formal adult education process to improve the design and structure of adult learning opportunities. In this article, we address concepts and approaches, which are equipped with appropriate innovative-based effective tools in accordance with the latest requirements identifying key issues that emerge in non-formal adult education, introducing them as substantial elements of teachers’ professional competence and their effective use in lifelong education process. Particular attention is paid to the teacher`s role and significance in nonformal adult education making such a process more meaningful for adult learners.

USE OF INTELLIGENT FUZZY IMAGE SEGMENTATION SYSTEMS IN THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF FUTURE SPECIALISTS IN ENGINEERING AND PEDAGOGICAL FIELDS

Relevance: The article addresses the critical issue of integrating intelligent image segmentation systems that utilize fuzzy logic into the training processes for future specialists in engineering and pedagogical fields. This integration is a significant aspect of the digitization of higher education. Aim: The goal is to implement intelligent vehicle image segmentation systems using fuzzy logic to train specialists in engineering and pedagogical fields. Methods: The preliminary processing of the images of the studied objects (vehicles) involved digital filtering methods, contour detection, profile analysis, and contrast enhancement. Image segmentation was performed using watershed methods, contour lines, and region growing. After segmentation, the obtained segments were selected based on size. Fuzzy membership functions were then applied to determine the degree of affiliation of the segments to the meaningful parts of the studied objects, ensuring reliable recognition of these parts and stable operation of the intelligent system despite external influences on the acquired images. Results: A computer system has been developed for the segmentation of vehicle images using fuzzy logic, which has been integrated into the training of specialists in engineering and pedagogical fields. The segmentation methods isolate objects within the images, which are then recognized using fuzzy logic. Thanks to the fuzzy membership functions, elements of vehicle images are reliably recognized even when there is some ambiguity in the shapes of the segments. The practical significance of the developed system is demonstrated through the processing of car images. Conclusions: The integration of the developed system into the educational process provides students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to intelligent image processing systems.

Taking on a new meaning of physics mathematization for teaching in teacher education processes

This is a documented reflection that seeks to characterize an alternative conception of the ‘mathematization of physics for teaching’. The reflection was made on the academic production of the research group ‘Teaching and learning of physics’. This group has posed a sequence of research questions has been raised to find out how physics teachers understand the relationship between physics and mathematics in the physics teaching process. In 2003 they studied the idea of ‘mathematical beauty’ in the early days of quantum mechanics, suggesting that there would be a difference between the way scientists assume the physical/mathematical relationship and the way physics is taught. In 2010, they wondered if there would be research in this field that would allow transformations in teaching focused on equations as the set of mathematical–physical relationships, finding that there are at least three trends. In 2019, they verified that despite the research in the literature, many students continue with the same reductionist idea about this relationship. In 2020, they made a proposal, showing a possibility of educating the teacher’s thinking for new understandings in this regard. The main conclusion is that it is possible to develop mathematization processes in the classroom from three specific phases that educate scientific thinking. The first phase tries to make the student aware of the existence of phenomenology and describe it. The second phase educates the study of nature in a systematic way, building the meaning of the organization of a physical system. The third phase promotes explanation and argument so that students achieve an explanatory model. These phases are configured as a criterion to guide the sequence of activities in a class, a set of classes or a complete course and have been worked on and tested in ‘physics didactics’ courses in a physics teacher training course.

UTILIZING DIGITAL COMPETENCES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT POTENTIAL IN HIGHER MEDICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

Introduction. Building a robust healthcare system aimed at improving overall population health and a reliable electronic health system requires a corresponding level of proficiency in digital competences (DC) among future healthcare professionals. The relevance of this research lies in the understanding that the effective execution of medical and managerial responsibilities is impossible without an adequate level of DC, and mastering them must occur during the education of future healthcare professionals. The aim. To investigate the levels of proficiency in DC and the understanding of their importance among students enrolled in institutions of higher medical education (IHME) for the development of leadership and management potential during the educational process of future healthcare professionals. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 265 students (1st-6th years) at Dnipro State Medical University. Bibliosemantic and sociological methods were used. Students were grouped by academic year: junior (1-2), middle (3-4), and senior (5-6). Results were analyzed using widely accepted statistical approaches and the integrated development environment Jupyter Notebook (https://jupyter.org/install). A significance level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant for all hypotheses. Results. According to the obtained data all students, regardless of their academic year, understand the importance of studying digital competences. On average, the overall importance level for all DC was 6.99 (95% CI 6.72-7.26) on a ten-point scale. Proficiency in DC significantly (p=0.002) varied depending on the academic year, with seniors scoring higher than middle (in all aspects) and junior students (for most aspects). No significant differences were found between the proficiency levels of junior and middle students (p>0.05). Proficiency in general DC was significantly higher compared to special medical and cybersecurity DC, both within each group and for all respondents. More than 80% of respondents stated that mastering DC is important for performing managerial functions, with no differences between groups (p>0.05). Conclusions. Present-day healthcare professionals require a proper level of proficiency in DC. The study demonstrates that students' motivation to learn DC is more than sufficient, but proficiency in special medical and cybersecurity DC needs improvement. The majority of respondents consider mastering DC an integral element in the formation of health-oriented leadership and effective management in healthcare. Mastering of DC should occur systematically with active involvement of IHME in the process.