Analysis of the Demand for Distance Education at Eastern and Central European Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Distance education as one of the new and perspective forms of completing higher education increases in popularity around the world. At the same time, the development of this model of education generates new problems: organization of the study process and information security. Distance learning allows solving a problem of accessibility of higher education in case of social issues, working hours, etc. Therefore, distance education is of major importance in increasing the learning efficiency.The Latvian model of distance education is passing the stage of formation and approbation in the market of educational services. However, the creation of system of distance education should not be the final step for higher education institutions as such; furthermore, this process would not be developed without students. Therefore, the objective of the present research is to find out the opinion of the students on the expediency of distance education. More than 850 students from Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Serbia and Belarus have participated in the research.Results of the research have revealed that the traditional form of education based on communication between the lecturer and the student is more demanded among the students. At present, distance learning, unfortunately, cannot be characterised by stable demand. In order to increase the demand for such model of education, public presentations and discussions should be made, and media support is also necessary.

Contradictions in Higher Education

“…Competency based approach is one of the ways to harmonise education with job market (Dorozhkin, 2016). Distance education and blended education could have a good impact on the situation; however, the creation of system of distance education should not be the final step for higher education institutions as such; furthermore, this process would not be developed without students (Vasilevska, 2017).…”

The Professional Development of Academic Staff in Higher Education Institution

“…To enhance the effectiveness and quality of the university education and training and researching in the current context of international as well as domestic higher education, especially in the Covid-19 pandemic, the emphasis should be placed on the online education since in the organization of distance learning process, and students must rely on themselves in the majority of study courses (Vasilevska, Rivza, Alekneviciene, & ParliÒska, 2017). In this case, the teacher can develop the role of directing and the student can develop the role of acting.…”

Online Distance Learning While the COVID-19 Pandemic: Implementation, Evaluation, and Expectations

“…Distance learning is not a new method, it has been around for hundreds of years starting in Europe [15][16]. This appears to meet the demands of increasing student numbers while also reducing costs and generating income to provide quality education [17] [18]. The idea of learning is self-guided education which is more guided because teachers and students are are genuinely isolated and can serve countless objective gatherings immediately, and discover a way to interconnected information.…”