Development of tutors' professional competencies through online platforms: opportunities and challenges

The study is dedicated to analyzing the effectiveness of modern online platforms in forming professional tutor communities in higher education institutions in Ukraine. Special attention is given to the impact of digital tools on the development of tutors' professional competencies, including communication, analytical, and pedagogical skills, as well as the exploration of innovative opportunities for using technology to enhance the educational process. A structured approach to creating professional tutor communities through modern digital technologies is proposed. The key tutoring competencies necessary for ensuring quality student support in distance education have been identified, such as the ability to organize independent learning activities, maintain student motivation, provide personalized feedback, and foster the development of soft skills. It is demonstrated that the use of interactive online tools can improve both individual and group learning effectiveness. The study highlights several challenges, including decreased student motivation, limitations in emotional contact, and the need to maintain psychological and emotional well-being in distance learning. To address these issues, the creation of a national platform for tutor development is recommended, which would facilitate the dissemination of best international educational practices and enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian higher education institutions on a global level. The positive impact of online platforms on the development of tutors' professional competencies, the improvement of educational support quality, and the formation of sustainable professional communities is analyzed. Online tutoring has proven to be an effective tool for supporting students by allowing the educational process to be adapted to the needs of each learner.