Flexible forms of learning as a challenge for higher education

This paper will discuss current trends in the development of lifelong and online education through the eyes of universities. Given the demographic situation and progressive automation, significant changes in demand for education can be expected in the near future in individual and flexible forms using digital technologies. Flexible forms of education are becoming an increasingly more important part of the portfolio of successful world universities. It turns out that flexible education not only allows study for students who are limited by university distances, but also has the potential to contribute to reducing students’ low learning success rates. From the point of view of academic staff, flexible education can reduce the number of lessons taught, thereby freeing up research time. From the point of view of university management, quality flexible education opens up opportunities for study to new target groups, and assures the university a stable position. In the paper, we will try to answer the question of what universities can do in order to prepare for new challenges in the field of education