The impact of distance learning on the development of information and communication skills of students of higher education institutions

The aim of the article was to identify the impact of distance learning on the development of information and communication skills of students in higher education institutions. The article examined the impact of distance learning on the development of information and communication technology (ICT) skills of students in higher education institutions. It has been found that in the context of the pandemic, educational institutions were forced to switch to a distance learning format, which emphasised the importance of digital literacy and technical competence of students. It is determined that ICT is crucial for modern education and professional development of students. The study surveyed 100 students about their experience of using ICT in distance learning, which was conducted in three stages with students of different specialities to identify their views on changes in the level of ICT competencies. The results showed that students have significantly improved their skills in working with software, using online resources and interacting in the digital environment. At the same time, certain obstacles were identified in the context of distance learning, which are related to technical problems and lack of practical experience. However, the analysis showed positive changes in academic achievement for a significant number of students after using ICT. This made it possible to identify that distance learning has become quite effective for learning the material. The conclusions show that distance learning, despite its shortcomings, has a significant positive impact on the development of students’ ICT skills. It is recommended to integrate elements of distance learning into the traditional educational system to ensure more effective formation of digital competences