CHARACTERISTICS OF USING BLENDED LEARNING FOR FUTURE OFFICERS IN AN INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Summary. The article examines the use of blended learning for future officers within the information environment and identifies some specific features of this process. The article posits that digitisation catalyses the creation of an educational institution’s informational environment, which in turn becomes a continuum for developing future officers’ professional competence. It is demonstrated that digitisation represents a complex and multifaceted process that affects all components of higher military education.

Consequently, blended learning technologies are employed proactively to guarantee the successful implementation of the approach above. The content and meaning of the ‘blended learning’ category were analysed. It has been established that blended learning is defined as the use of distributed informational and educational resources in face-to-face education, with the application of asynchronous and synchronous distance education elements. It allows for the simultaneous use of the strengths of traditional learning forms and the advantages of distance technologies, primarily collective-distributed forms of activity organisation. The historiography of the global dissemination of blended learning technologies in the context of the evolution of digital learning tools has been examined.

It has been observed that the necessity to implement contemporary digital technologies as an adequate response to global challenges and the Russo-Ukrainian war is linked to the transformation of the educational system and the current socio-economic and political situation. The military education system has several features driven by the specifics of military-professional activity, which dictate additional requirements for educational didactic tools, which must be adapted and accessible to cadets’ cognitive, temporal, and resource capabilities. Integrating blended learning into the training of officer cadres in the information environment represents a crucial link in the educational system of professional military training. Concurrently, the implementation of blended learning technology in the training of future officers in the information environment will facilitate the formation of a new paradigm of military education, an increase in the level of digital competence as a component of the professional competence of officer cadres, an increase in the level of educational-professional and military-professional motivation of cadets and ensure the satisfaction of the majority of future service members with the quality and accessibility of educational services. Implementing blended learning technology will facilitate the delivery of educational services to commanders and chiefs, enabling them to assess their subordinates’ professional training levels. It will also enhance the effectiveness of the educational process, including the training (retraining) of cadets. Furthermore, it will facilitate the full utilisation of the potential of higher military education institutions to implement the principle of continuity in military education, as well as officer retraining before discharge into the reserves. Finally, it will result in a significant reduction in the financial and temporal costs of the educational process.