DISTANCE LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS DURING A PANDEMIC: MODERN CHALLENGES AND INNOVATIONS

The article aims to study the distance form of higher education, the peculiarities of its implementation during a pandemic and enhanced anti-epidemic measures, methods of improving the quality of education and outlining prospects for further use of new educational technologies outside quarantine. The scientific novelty of the study is the need to create a single systematized model of distance and blended learning, which involves the study of the existing theoretical and methodological framework, assessment of resource provision and opportunities for the introduction of new information technologies of learning. Methodology. Methodological approaches on which the study bases are: programmed learning (B. Skinner, N. Crowder), the essence of which (linear, branched, blended) is the consistent assimilation of educational material, divided into information modules with mandatory control over the development of each, which distinguishes its high manufacturability and intensification; problem-searching and research methods (solving a problem situation requires the integration of previous experience and knowledge, the choice of the most rational options as a result of personal creative activity or collective brainstorming, etc. A comprehensive approach allows you to individualize the process of distance learning, deepen the process of psychological and pedagogical communication and interaction of distant participants in the educational process, which organizes in a specialized environment with the help of information and communication technologies. The following main theoretical methods used in the study: analysis of literature sources, systematization and generalization of information of teaching materials and scientific works on the problem of distance education, and empirical pedagogical observations of the organization of the educational process by distance learning in higher education. Conclusions. The theoretical study allowed us to conclude that since the 2000s in Ukraine started actively explored the problem of distance forms of higher education. It created a powerful scientific and methodological base. Therefore, higher education, in general, was ready for the challenges of today, and in conditions of severe quarantine, continues to conduct online learning quite successfully. At the same time, the rapid change of information technology, the emergence of new means of distance learning and tools require his quick mastery to improve the quality of education. Besides, the latest distance learning technologies are effective not only in quarantine restrictions, but also in offline learning. The software-technical and educational-methodical providing of disciplines taking into account the requirements of distance learning, creation of electronic educational-methodical manuals and textbooks also requires constant updating. Improving the ICT competence of students and teachers requires the organization of special courses to master new information technologies. It is perspective to create a Ukrainian information platform in various fields of knowledge with its referative database. Further research is required by the problem of technological support of distance learning