The Role of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Development of Remote Education in Universities in Russia

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of remote education in higher education institutions in Russia in the context of its modernization and digitalization. It is shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the entire higher education system to switch to online education in the shortest time possible. At the same time, about 40% of universities have had the experience in developing remote education technologies since the 2000s. These technologies were not used for all students. They were used for the students who for some reason could not or did not want to educate in the traditional form. This group of universities was more or less ready for a difficult situation. The Russian higher education system as a whole has passed the stress test. As a result of the study, the strengths and weaknesses of the switch to remote learning in higher education institutions were revealed. Recommendations for improving and implementing online education in Russian universities are offered.