PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR USING ELEMENTS OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHING PATHOLOGIC PHYSIOLOGY: A VIEW OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Objectives. To assess the problems that have arisen when using the elements of distance learning at the Chair of Pathologic Physiology of VSMU during an unfavorable epidemiological situation due to the spreading of Covid-19, and to assess the prospects for further using of distance learning based on the results of questioning students and teachers. Material and methods. The material of the research was the questionnaires of students (n=161) and teachers (n=35) of VSMU concerning the means and methods of organization, the advantages and disadvantages of using the elements of distance learning, in comparison with the traditional educational methods. Results. As a result of the study, it has been revealed that the majority of students and teachers (73 and 80%, respectively) adapted well to the conditions of a wider use of distance learning elements at the Chair of Pathologic Physiology; both students (59.1% of respondents) and teachers (68.8% of respondents) noted an increase in the working load on them during this period; most students and teachers prefer the traditional form of education with the elements of distance learning. The overwhelming majority of students are satisfied with the organization of the educational process at the Chair of Pathologic Physiology in the conditions of the wider use of distance learning elements and would like to increase the duration of videoconferences when using the Zoom platform. Conclusions. The experience of working in the distance mode has shown that the main problem of both participants of the educational process was the increase in the workload, and as to the students - also the need to clearly control their time and working day structure. If necessary, the expansion of the use of distance learning elements will allow to preserve the educational process at the Chair of Pathologic Physiology.