Features of the organization of distance learning in the process of training specialists in administration and public administration (Polish experience)

Abstract

The article reflects the peculiarities of distance learning organization in the process of training specialists in administration and public administration on the example of the Polish experience. The methods of providing distance education, the challenges faced by specialists in higher education, and the advantages of such training of managers are considered. The presented article contains a review of the literature concerning distance learning in administration and public administration published in the last five years. According to the results of the processing of 45 articles presented in scientometric databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Index Copernicus), the trend of comparative analysis of distance and traditional educational models is typical. Research studies mainly focus on specific technologies and the degree of their effectiveness, the number of publications with the study of competencies has been growing only in the last two years. In addition, the predominant method is the analysis of quantitative data on students' academic performance and the adoption of the latest technologies by educators. Accordingly, the novelty of the study lies in highlighting the limitations of the discourse in the problem field: the focus on WEIRD sampling (respondents from Western, educated, industrialized, wealthy, and democratic societies), the lack of a meaningful conceptual framework for competency and self-efficacy research, the lack of qualitative data specific to a particular industry. Therefore, the purpose of the presented work is to determine the elements necessary for the professional development of future managers in a distance learning environment and the degree of their implementation. In the course of the empirical study, the subjective perception of the quality of education in the conditions of distance learning and the compliance of qualifications obtained by students with the requirements of the professional environment in the field of management were analyzed. The research methodology is embodied by exploratory design, which is based on surveys of participants in the educational process and semi-structured interviews of specialists in the field of public administration. The results allowed drawing conclusions about the sufficient level of skills in the digital environment and the sense of satisfaction with the educational process among students and teachers. The main indicator of academic achievement was determined by the content of the curricula, which corresponded to the current trends of professional activity. In addition, in the distance mode, one of the important components of learning efficiency is the interpersonal contact between the teacher and the student, guaranteeing the experience of the content and quality of the educational process.

Challenges and prospects of online education in the context of barrier-free access

“…In particular, Bakhmat et al (2023) identified the peculiarities of the functioning of the modern digital educational environment, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of digital education. Sanetra-Półgrabi (2023) addressed similar issues in the Polish experience, demonstrating the transition from traditional forms of education to the widespread use of digital technologies on the example of transformations in a post-socialist country of the former Soviet Union. The key aspects of distance learning are described in Wong et al (2021).…”

“…Accordingly, a promising area of online education development is the development of digital literacy among teachers and educators. Many modern scholars emphasise this aspect (Saienko et al, 2022;Sanetra-Półgrabi, 2023;White et al, 2023). In particular, the study by Saienko et al (2022) defines digital literacy as a set of skills and knowledge necessary for the effective use of technology, especially the Internet and digital devices.…”