THE CRISIS OF EDUCATION IN CONDITIONS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE MODEL OF BLENDED LEARNING

Abstract

Valentina B. Salakhova, Yuliya V. Bazhdanova, Tuyana Ts. Dugarova, Natalia S. Morozova, Margarita M. Simonova

Purpose of the study: The paper presents a topical problem of modern higher education in the context of the transition to distance learning for the period of active spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. To date, a decision has been made to partially or completely close schools and universities in 191 countries around the world. As a result, about 1.6 billion students switched to distance education. In this connection, today this area of ​​the system of education is of the highest importance, both for individual countries and for the entire world community. 
Methodology: The leading approach to the study of the problem of distance learning in the system of higher professional education was a systematic approach as a methodological principle of modern science. The scientific and theoretical teachings about distance learning, the distance learning technology, the model of blended learning in higher education; theoretical propositions on the methods and technologies of providing distance learning in higher education became the fundamental basis of this study.
Results: The paper presents the study results of the most relevant trends in education: omni-learning (learning with the use of all possible communication channels), adaptive learning, distance learning, online mentoring, blended learning, “self-learning” organizations, EdTech startups, etc. The results of a comparative analysis of traditional forms of learning and blended learning are presented. It has been proven that blended learning is the most effective form of distance learning.
Application of this study: We can conclude that in the current socio-economic conditions of the development of the system of higher professional education, the introduction of a blended learning model in the framework of the conception of lifelong education seems to be necessary and obvious in our opinion. Proceeding from this conception, specialists of any profession need continuous improvement of knowledge, skills, professional competencies, which is possible in the framework of the blended learning model using e-learning technologies.
Novelty / originality of this study: The conclusions have been made that blended learning makes it possible to translate the learning process into the information space; contribute to the formation of the learner’s competencies stipulated in the Federal State Educational Standard and also creates the conditions for the development of readiness and the student’s ability to self-actualize.