Doctoral Education in Ukraine: the Application of Digital Tools and Services by Doctoral Students under COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The paper aims to explore the peculiarities of doctoral education under COVID-19 in Ukraine. The application of digital instruments and services by doctoral students has become a priority during distance training. However, this approach is mainly a new experience and, accordingly, undergoes theoretical substantiation and piloting. The focus of the study is two-fold. It theoretically discusses the digital support of dissertation research at various stages. Secondly, based on the findings of the survey on the doctoral students’ application of digital tools and services the challenges have been identified. We conclude that the priority of digital education in the EU countries, especially under COVID-19 pandemic highlights the task of restructuring the doctoral education in Ukraine towards its dynamic digitalization. The digitization should be comprehensive and systematic. Systematization should include technical, organizational, motivational and developmental components aimed at synergy of institutions, doctoral students and supervisors. The complexity should include both the digitization of the training component and independent work of the doctoral students while writing a dissertation. The groups of DT&S for application by doctoral students are recommended for the inclusion into the doctoral students’ training curriculum both in the format of a separate course and by integration into the syllabi of other disciplines. Based on the research findings the targeted scientific/methodical events (seminars, master classes, doctoral schools, etc.) providing knowledge and skills on DT&S application are recommended.