Preparation of Teaching Staff of Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions to Extensive Application of Distance Education Forms and Methods

Abstract

The article deals with the actual questions of reforming system of Ukrainian higher education especially distance education and teachers’ active adaptation to progressive global trends in this area. The authors’ attention is focused on identifying the main problems in the use of the distance learning advantages, which are supported by the teaching staff of higher school in Ukraine. The purpose of the paper is to formulate the propositions for the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, concerning the creation of analytical and innovative training center for preparation of Ukrainian teaching staff, which will contribute the widespread introduction of distance learning, integrate the regional offices in all regions of the country, and realize the comprehensive training program of the teaching staff for extensive introduction of the distance education forms and methods. It is shown in the paper that the main problems in the implementation of distance education are the lack of special technical equipment, methodical regional centers, and estimates on the introduction of distance education. The distance education is oriented only on the student, but not on the teacher, his/her support and motivation. The normative base of distance education requires improvement. The authors have elaborated the comprehensive training program for teaching staff of Ukrainian universities for extensive adoption of distance learning forms and methods, which combines technical, methodological and motivational support on the national and regional levels.