THE INNOVATIVE POSITION OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

Abstract Compared to traditional forms of education, distance education optimally develops students' independence, activity, awareness, and creativity, effectively solves the strategic issues facing modern teacher training in the information society. The irreplaceable role and place of increasing the quality and efficiency of higher education also highlights the relevance of distance education. It is also advantageous in terms of creating the same opportunity for them to study regardless of their place of residence, health status, standard of living and financial support. On the other hand, distance learning is also very cost-effective. It provides an opportunity to study without incurring additional costs (transportation, housing and other costs). These factors indicate the importance and relevance of the topic chosen for research. Integration into the world, globalization, rapid information processes cause significant changes in all areas of modern society and increase the role of human capital as the main factor in the successful development of the state. Changes in the education system, especially in higher education, the need for capable, competitive specialists who can meet the needs of society and the state, along with their self-education, have also brought up the issue of informatization of education. The application of distance education technologies in all areas was the focus of national leader Heydar Aliyev's attention years ago as an urgent issue, and in this regard, he adopted the "National Strategy on Information and Communication Technologies for the Development of the Republic of Azerbaijan" covering the years 2003-2012 [5]. . As a continuation of this, the declaration of 2013 as the "Year of Information and Communication Technologies" in the Republic of Azerbaijan by the head of the country, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the laying of the foundation of the University of Information Technologies are among the steps aimed at the informatization of the society and, accordingly, the training of educated and competent specialists. At the same time, starting from 2007-2008, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University started using electronic test technologies for innovative development of education, current and final evaluation of education quality. With the joint initiative of the university's administrative, professor and teaching staff, technical specialists, the holding of test exams became more organized, which gave students the opportunity to check their knowledge more accurately using electronic resources [2]. In addition, the experience of Azerbaijan on the informatization of education was presented at the "ITU World Telecom 2009" forum held in Geneva from October 5 to 9, 2009. At the events held in connection with this forum, representatives of many countries were informed about the creation of the Azerbaijan Education Network (AZEDUNET), the Information and Resource Center, the "Electronic School", as well as the National Education Program, and the achievements of the country in the field of application of information technologies were demonstrated [6, p. 125]. The transition to the information society makes the problem of the formation of modern thinking in the new generation even more urgent, creates the need for fundamental changes in education, and creates a fundamental basis for students' adaptation to education and strengthening of distance learning tendencies.