Prospects of Digitalization of Higher Education: Methodological and Practice-Oriented Aspects

Abstract

The article considers the relevance of digitalization of educational process and the possibilities of using the latest information and communication technologies in higher educational institutions, both in combination with traditional teaching methods and as separate educational programs in order to modernize educational process, increase students’ motivation and expand educational opportunities. The authors formulated the principles of using digital technologies in educational process, on which digital didactics is based. They also outlined the tasks of introducing digital technologies and their potential opportunities in the development of educational programs. The advantages and specifics of distant forms of educational process organization were analyzed and peculiarities of electronic educational environment of the university and its components were considered. The authors listed the main software products that are available for organizing educational process and noted their advantages and disadvantages. The work also presents information on the features of online training in one of the universities in Orel from March to July 2020, provides data on academic performance of students in four training courses, and identifies the difficulties that teachers face during online classes. In order to draw teachers’ attention to the potential opportunities of digital technologies and the necessity of their use in educational process, recommendations on organizing distance learning forms were developed. The results of the study are of practical value, since the correct choice of online training platform, considered organization of online training process and availability of thoroughly prepared educational materials guarantee students good level of theoretical training and mastery of practical skills in the chosen direction.