THE TEACHERS’ OPINION ON EFFICIENCY OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

Abstract

The article presents the findings of large-scale sociological survey titled ‘Assessment of the distance learning mode in the self-isolation conditions by educators of Rostov Region.’ The survey reflects the opinion of 8,079 teachers, including 7,608 women and 470 men, who work in general education. The relevance of the study is significant given that the entire general education system of the Russian Federation was urgently transferred to the distance learning mode due to the rapid spread of novel coronavirus in first-half 2020. The respondents assessed their own technical and material conditions in which they carried out the educational activities. The survey included analyses of the financial capabilities necessary to ensure the educational process in distance learning from home and the state of health of teachers working in the distant mode. The presented findings indicate that the teaching community negatively assessed the transition. The health of teachers suffered due to long hours in front of the computer, the effectiveness of teaching decreased, and transferability of learning deteriorated due to deficiencies in technical equipment. The article draws a general conclusion that for the present distance education cannot be a full-fledged alternative to general education in its traditional form.