CHARACTERISTICS OF USING BLENDED LEARNING FOR FUTURE OFFICERS IN AN INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Khmelnytskyi Humanitarian-Pedagogical Academy, HALUS Oleksandr , KRYSHCHUK Bogdan ,   Khmelnytskyi Humanitarian-Pedagogical Academy, SIVAK Natalia ,   Khmelnytskyi Humanitarian-Pedagogical Academy
Published: August 2024

The article examines the use of blended learning for future officers within the information envi-ronment and identifies some specific features of this pro-cess. The article posits that digitisation catalyses the creation of an educational institution’s informational envi-ronment, which in turn becomes a continuum for develop-ing future officers’ professional competence. It is demon-strated that digitisation represents a complex and multi-faceted process that affects all components of higher military education. Consequently, blended learning technologies are em-ployed proactively to guarantee the successful implemen-tation 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 re-sources in face-to-face education, with the application of asynchronous and synchronous distance education ele-ments. It allows for the simultaneous use of the strengths of traditional learning forms and the advantages of dis-tance 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 re-sponse 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 dic-tate additional requirements for educational didactic tools, which must be adapted and accessible to cadets’ cogni-tive, 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. Con-currently, the implementation of blended learning technol-ogy in the training of future officers in the information environment will facilitate the formation of a new para-digm 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 motiva-tion of cadets and ensure the satisfaction of the majority of future service members with the quality and accessibil-ity of educational services. Implementing blended learning technology will facilitate the delivery of educational ser-vices 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 re-training before discharge into the reserves. Finally, it will result in a significant reduction in the financial and tem-poral costs of the educational process.