Analysis of e-learning forms and aids of distance studies in Lithuanian colleges

The presentation focuses on a number of interrelated aspects of distance education. Firstly, the aspects of accessibility of college higher education is discussed, which is promoted by the documents of Bologna process and legal acts of the Republic of Lithuania. The development of distance education is emphasised through an expansion of variety of e-learning forms. Secondly, the activities and goals of study divisions and centres of distance education in Lithuanian colleges are presented comprehensively. The presentation examines similarities and differences of e-learning in private and state colleges. Thirdly, referring to e-learning it is necessary to discuss curriculum quality aspects. Therefore, the analysis of structure of learning materials used in distance studies is presented, which focuses on how and to what extent the presented obligatory and additional tasks develop students’ critical thinking and their ability to involve in studies consistently and self-dependently. Educological aspects of e-learning materials are also discussed. Taking into account the problem areas of the conducted analysis, suggestions regarding improvement of e-learning materials to meet requirements imposed on higher education for development of students’ generic and subject specific competences are provided. Generalising, it can be stated that accessibility of higher education is improved employing a wider variety of e-learning forms. However, the quality of curriculum should be also ensured