The article shows that the introduction of distance learning courses, trainings, webinars, workshops, round tables, etc. at a more systematic level are the effective ways of forming digital literacy. Possibilities of using distance learning in higher education institutions are considered. The article emphasizes that digitization affects not only the content of education but also its organization. These processes have mixed implications for positioning of universities and teaching work. Digitalization of education opens up new perspectives for any professional field, as it enables to expand the context of activities, organize international cooperation, create virtual groups and communities, forums and chats, provide access to materials of various formats (texts, multimedia, television, etc.), expand communication with native speakers through various Internet systems, etc. The advent of distance education has led to a whole new understanding of the learning process and has expanded its capabilities.
The introduction of distance learning in Ukraine is currently in its active stage. At the beginning of the XXI century The Concept of Development of Distance Education in Ukraine and the Regulation on Distance Learning were approved. Today, the role and importance of digital educational resources and technologies in the educational sector is increasing; a great deal of efforts are being made to harmonize the structure of national HEIs with European requirements and to improve the quality of distance learning, which should lead to an increase in the level of training of specialists. Distance education is an important component of modern specialist training in many countries of the world, based on the use of both the best traditional teaching methods and new DER, as well as on the principles of self-study, intended for the general public irrespective of material security, place of residence, health status. A distinctive feature of distance education is interactive learning. Students have the opportunity not to attend classes, but to study at convenient time and in a convenient place. The main goal of distance learning is to ensure further development of the education system towards providing it with features and characteristics of open education (accessibility, mass, personal orientation, real continuityetc).
Thus, distance education is a 21st century specialist training system, characterized by high professionalism that strives for collaboration, self-affirmation and a high level of communication with colleagues. It is characterized by a great intensification of socially significant motives: business, cognitive, cooperation, self-realization and development, self-affirmation and communication through the use of open and computer-based learning and modern means of communication.
Problems of Professional Self-Development Among Undergraduates in the Digital Space, Identified During the COVID-19 Pandemic
