Analysis Of Modern Trends In Agricultural Education

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of transformation of agricultural education under the impact of the main trends caused by digitalization, such as Lifelong Learning, lifelong education based on a practice-oriented approach, organically related to online education. Rapid modernization of agro-industrial technologies requires flexibility, multifunctionality and continuity, freedom of choice of "learning path", a combination of formal and non-formal education. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the experience of various agricultural universities in Russia in terms of these trends and explored the prospects for implementation of foreign experience. It was reported that the experience of foreign countries helps Russian universities implement the main approaches. Based on the analysis of the results of monitoring indicators and sociological surveys conducted by different universities and organizations, the authors considered the problems of training digital personnel at agricultural universities. Development of new digital areas of training at agricultural universities is underway, which will require further transformation of formal education in different areas. Online education in various forms plays a crucial role in this process, one of which is online courses. The paper presents the results of the analysis of online courses, which revealed their deficiency in agriculture related disciplines. This is not only a challenge, but also an opportunity for regional experts, teachers and practitioners, to create their own courses. The competent integration of online courses into the educational process at different levels of training will allow, together with the development of professional competencies, mastering of digital competencies.