A blended learning format that uses online and offline technologies is gaining momentum in the world's leading universities. Russian universities are also reviewing and adapting curricula for a combined education format.
In particular, they decided to take up this practice at Tomsk State University (TSU). The university specialists tried to achieve the most useful cooperation, said Daria Maslova, director of the Center for the Development and Support of Online Courses at the Institute of Distance Education at TSU.
“A layer of leveling courses is emerging. They allow us to“ develop ”skills and knowledge so that the cooperation of the combined areas of study is as useful as possible … the way the programs are completed, “the expert explained in a commentary on tomsk.ru.
When teaching online, it is especially important to correctly distribute the huge layer of work and preparation for the teacher. In addition, successful education using online technologies also depends on self-discipline, self-esteem and the student's readiness to be controlled by the digital system.
Nowadays, a relatively new format of education – online master's degree – is gaining particular popularity.
“In terms of requirements and labor intensity, an online master's degree does not differ from full-time study. Everything will be required from you. If you understand that you are ready for this and you have a goal, then an online master's degree is suitable for you. On the other hand, any educational course should to be responsible for the results that are stated there. The maximum is received by those who work on high-tech platforms. Online for the sake of online kills education. It does not work if the goal is only digitalization, “added Maslova.
Earlier, the Russian authorities stated that a full transition to a distance learning format in Russia is impossible, since this will lead to a significant decrease in the quality of education.
At the same time, the combination of full-time format with remote elements and online mode is quite acceptable, said the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Valery Falkov at the round table “Higher education in a pandemic: challenges and solutions.”
