Pedagogical conditions of applying distance learning technologies in the system of higher professional education

The purpose of this study was to identify pedagogical conditions that would successfully model with distance learning technologies for students in higher education. For this, the degree of satisfaction was investigated in 206 1st-4th-year students of speciality “Pedagogy” by questionnaire method and application of distance learning was studied in 28 teachers of the Institute of Continuous and Distance Education of K. Karasaev Bishkek State University. The study described the definition of distance learning, analysed the types of learning in the system of higher professional education, named the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, principles and forms of learning, pedagogical methods. Student questionnaire data show that 11% of respondents are not satisfied with distance education. Degrees of dissatisfaction include internet outages, quality of education, lack of communication with classmates and teachers. However, 89% favoured this type of learning. The key advantages of distance learning are the time and budget saving for travelling and living, comfortable home learning conditions, availability of searching for necessary information, free choice of pace and time of learning. As a result of the interviews with the teachers of the institute, the following aspects were voiced that require improvement: students’ assimilation of information, lack of teaching experience in conducting this type of classes, as well as administrative issues. The study showed that distance learning technologies differ from the conventional form, being aimed at the development of students’ independent activity; obtaining knowledge and skills are oriented towards the application of information technology, search and exchange of information. Successful application of distance technologies in education requires systematic work on professional activities of teachers, increasing students’ interest in distance learning, establishing a relationship with students’ parents, and uninterrupted operation of Internet resources.