Distance learning: current issues and comparative analysis assessing its effectiveness

Research question. The priorities of distance learning are self-discipline, self-control and the ability to volitional regulation as the main qualities that contribute to learning. The analysis of the Federal State Educational Standards of Higher education in the Russian Federation confirms this fact, where special attention is paid to creating optimal conditions for the functioning of the electronic information and educational environment. Based on the above, the purpose of the study is to analyze and compare the effectiveness of various forms and methods of distance learning from the positions of teachers and students of the university; identify the problems faced by the participants of the educational process in the context of distance learning.

Research methods: theoretical methods, including the research subject analysis based on the study of psychological and pedagogic literature and normative documentation; empirical-and-quantitative research methods, namely, an anonymous survey among 546 students and 61 teachers according to the author's questionnaire. Conclusions and recommendations. The educational system of the university was insufficiently prepared for the total "distant learning", insufficient technical support for students and teachers is revealed. The deprivation of personal contacts and live communication negatively affected the health, educational motivation among students and the efficiency among teachers. The results of the research can be used in the framework of improving the system of organization and management of distance learning in Higher education institutions as well as for determining the priority areas of Higher school teaching staff professional retraining.