Video and Online Courses in the Educational Process of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics: opportunities, advantages and problems for students and professors

The aim of the study is to identify the factors which determine the demand and possibility of integrating e-learning — mainly, video and online courses - into the teaching process of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (PRUE). The problem area is discussed from the positions of lecturers and students. The hypothesis is based on the assumption that online techniques are positively perceived by both sides, despite a number of limitations which reduced professors’ enthusiasm for expanding the scope of traditional teaching methods. The necessity to find out the motives and clarify the arguments for and against the use of online and video technologies is aimed at solving the practical problem of maximizing the potential of the university in the modern educational environment. The results of the study allow developing recommendations for the creation of effective programs, which should include transparent motivations as well as effective instructions and schemes of work and interaction between departments, lecturers and students of the university, contributing innovative processes in higher education. Materials and methods include the creation of a theoretical background based on published assessments of Russian and foreign experts regarding the development of Smart Education, as well as on existing examples of effective use of e-learning in universities, and critical study of this experience, taking into account the specifics of PRUE. The field study was conducted by means of a survey of university faculty and students. The content of the questionnaires for each group (lecturer/student) was determined by the purpose of the study adjusted for specifics of each party. The methodical approach allowed to build an objective picture of the perspective and readiness to increase the application of e-learning approaches in PRUE. The study results demonstrate a generally positive attitude of students and professors to the introduction of e-learning in the process of teaching in PRUE. At the same time, a certain amount of skepticism and critical reaction of lecturers to the spread of the online component in the educational process has been revealed. The paper provides specific data on the lecturers’ concerns associated with the expansion of e-learning tools in their work. The main problems relate to the need for personal adaptation to the digital space, misunderstanding of the principles of enshrining authorship and recording virtual courses in academic workload, etc. Conclusion. Identified factors of the greatest influence on the perception of online and video tools by students and lecturers at PRUE reveal several difficulties concerning the development of educational technologies. However, they are mostly. Appropriate increase of the online component in the structure of academic discipline, the offer of various forms of interactive, mastery of the skills of applying the latest technical achievements represent today the most important elements of the progressiveness of the higher education. The conclusions of the study are proposed for consideration in the development of Plekhanov University’s plans related to the innovative tasks of the university.