The role of ICT in education: Comparing virtual and traditional learning methods

With the development of information and communication technologies, online learning has become critically important, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires rapid adaptation of educational systems to new conditions. The article aims to compare the effectiveness of online and offline learning modes in developing students' key competences and identify the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to optimise educational processes in modern conditions.To conduct a comparative analysis of online and offline learning modes, data was collected from 80 students divided into two groups: traditional (20 first and 20 fourth-year students) and online (20 first and 20 fourth-year students). The analysis showed that online learning has a positive effect on students' academic achievement (d = 0.77) and motivation (d = 0.69) due to access to resources and flexible schedules and less pronounced improvements in technical (d = 0.28) and organisational (d = 0.33) skills. Instead, social skills (d = 0.03) develop more slowly due to the limited interaction between students and teachers in the online environment. Online learning is more effective in improving student performance and motivation. A comparative analysis of offline and online education modes has shown that offline learning contributes to developing social and communication skills but complicates ensuring student motivation. In contrast, online learning improves the quality of learning outcomes and professional skills through access to platforms and flexible learning schedules. However, it may reduce social skills due to limited interaction. The choice between modes of learning should consider students' educational goals and needs, and the integration of ICT can create a more effective learning environment.