Distant learning

The two questions always are of high priority ones: what should teaching include and what learning method is preferable? The purpose of every education system consists in sharing both experience and knowledge between generations. Sure, it is not only impossible to transfer every knowledge gained but, there is no expediency in such undifferentiated sharing. New generation needs in authentic knowledge and positive experience. And here the quality of training obtains the very first priority. Not only the theoretical knowledge, is on the demand, but also practical skills allowing to eliminate particular difficulties while putting further into practice that basis. Such tendencies and technical progress result in various technologies of training that allows raising quality of formation.

Nowadays the term "distant learning" is used more and more actively although it exists for a long time. In Soviet Union the extramural education system was nearly approaching to that we mention now as distant one. Soon there appeared several technologies that allow gaining a new qualitative level of studies. These technologies are effectively implemented in distant learning (hereinafter - DL). So: what does it mean, the distant learning?

The distant learning is a purposeful process of interactive, asynchronous interaction of students and teachers at the same time to each other that with means of training; this process is indifferent to their space-and-time arrangement and  is realized through a specific didactic system.

The DL educational process basis consists in intensive purpose-oriented and controlled independent work of a trainee. He can effect his studies in a comfortable place, under the individual time-schedule, having the complete set of special means of training and the coordinated opportunity of contact with teacher by phone, fax, electronic or usual mail, either by contacting personally.

While information technologies progressing, the distant learning includes Internet application that approach becoming more and more popular. This unique and universal means allows delivering teacher’s instructions to students in any point of the globe. And it can be any kind of the information, beginning from simple text, and up to audio and video information.

The Internet and WWW multimedia dialogue opportunities make this system attractive for majority of the organizations, engaged in distant learning. Availability of the Internet also stipulates many students to choose DL as the basic source of educational information receiving. Studying materials can be stored in the Internet so students have access to them in any time.

Just outlined with these several rows, we tried to represent the concept of distant learning with its availability and advantage. Now in our university the DL project is under development. It does not work in full force yet, but something is already available  to try  for those interested opening the http: // dl.opu.ua.

Now the collective effects the DL site filling with courses taught under actual programs in ONPU; within the nearest terms this work would reach the second most important stage, therefore every teacher ready for such work, is welcome to cooperation. Those interested can address by phone 7797-594 or e-mail: ovs@edu.opu.ua, contact person being the laboratory chef,  Starostin Oleg Valentinovich.