Distance education as an objective necessity. On the problem of modernization of academic curriculum
Presented is definition of the notion of “distance education”. It’s advantages and disadvantages are being discussed. It is shown, that distance education is in fact a combination of full-time and part-time forms of education, and therefore leading to significant increase of academic independent activity and, as a result, students’ overwork. It is proposed to introduce into the university academic process two different curricula for each specialty. The master curriculum is designed for full-time education. The second curriculum is designed for distance learning. The master curriculum needs to be modernized by transferring all disciplines that play a supportive role or serve for general educational development into the category of optional ones. Education in the normal course according to the master curriculum involves studying both compulsory subjects and optional courses equally. In the event of force majeure circumstances, the second curriculum is introduced and only compulsory subjects remain for learning, and all optional courses are removed from the schedule. This would allow relieving the distance education student without lowering either the level or the quality of education.