E-Learning System Development: Challenges and Threats in the Digital Economy

In the context of the digital transformation of all socio-economic processes of society and the complex situation with «live» communication (as a result of the coronavirus pandemic), in Russia and other countries of the world, the problem of organizing an effective e-learning system at all levels of education is first on the agenda. In the Russian Federation, the solution to this problem is currently being exacerbated by the digital inequality of territories that has developed for various reasons. This situation is explained by many factors, including the level of availability of high-speed Internet, the level of digitalization of the local telephone network, the cost of IT services in various regions of our country. The article identified the current problems of the modern system of electronic (distance) education in the Russian Federation, revealed the impact of these problems on the practice of digital learning, examined the challenges and threats of implementing the e-learning system in practice, including those related to the digital inequality of Russian territories. The authors presented an analysis of statistical data that characterize the level of students’ access to broadband internet in various regions of Russia, which is required for the normal functioning of modern educational platforms. As a result of the analysis, the authors of the article formulated proposals to reduce the risks of distance education, as well as possible ways of its improvement.