Distance education of medical students during COVID-19 pandemic

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed our habitual world. It has affected all social activities, including medical education. Academic educational community has been forced to face up to the transition from traditional classroom teaching model to distance learning. As a result the way of learning organization is seriously changing. Educators around the world develop new online content, adapt curricula, upskill digital competencies, and adjust teaching approaches. This study analyzes practical differences and methodological specificities of distance learning modalities. The purpose of this article is to highlight different approaches and available e-learning tools which can be useful for online learning. The present work describes different methods of synchronous and asynchronous learning considering our experience of their application in distance education. Also, these modes can be successfully used in combination with traditional teaching. There is no doubt that online learning will increase impact on medical education over the coming years.