The use of distance learning technologies at the university in the new reality

Department of Labor Economics and Human Resources Management, Ural State University of Economics, Yekaterinburg, 620144, Russian Federation

^* Corresponding author: myrabota2011@gmail.com

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is, on the basis of empirical research, to identify problems and growth areas in the field of effective use of distance learning technologies in universities in the context of COVID-19. The authors used theoretical and empirical research methods: literary analysis, generalization, methods of descriptive statistics. The main method for collecting empirical data is to survey students’ opinions. The study involved 1578 students from more than 70 Russian universities. The authors substantiated the problems and opportunities for learning with the use of distance learning technologies. The paper shows not only the current difficulties of learning in an online format, but also identifies their main advantages. It presents the change in the attitude of students to the online format of education for a period of 1 year, their vision of the effectiveness of distance learning technologies in higher educational institutions. The authors substantiated the objectivity and reliability of the results obtained through their correlation with the results of similar studies conducted by scientists in various countries. The materials of the article can be useful for university teachers implementing the curriculum of disciplines using distance learning technologies, as well as for all those interested in higher education issues.