Abstract:

The ability to organize distance learning is a critical skill for modern teachers in the times of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the media communication sphere, the transition from auditory learning to online has become a challenge, because for such professions as journalist, pr-specialist, advertiser, editor, it is important to develop communication skills. During online classes students have to work on their educational tasks mostly alone, so teachers are faced with the need to integrate them into the learning using educational tools for cooperative work. Another important aspect of media communication learning is the compliance of university education with the practical needs of media editorials, PR agencies, advertising agencies. Thus, teachers of journalism and advertising are now inevitably faced with the task of developing a strategy for students' distance learning.

In this study, the authors summarize their current experience and on its basis propose a strategy, the so-called "road map", which describes the important parts of distance learning organization in higher education. These include: the basic principles of the online educational process, teaching activity, interactive methods, student assessment, student academic performance, feedback from students. Prescribing in detail these key points will make clear to students the principles, requirements, deadlines, help them feel confident and, accordingly, be more focused on productive learning.

Interactive methods are the important tools to engage students in learning. Nowadays many students feel psychological problems because of being alone during educational webinars. So, it is very important for teachers to create a friendly environment for group and interpersonal communication. Therefore, interactive methods have become a basic tool for teaching media communication students, because they are aimed at collaboration and interaction, the development of common values ​​etc. According to journalists’ and advertisers’ opinion, these features are important nowadays when the media and PR-agencies are adapting to the conditions and restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this study the authors reveal the list of efficient interactive methods, which are tested by their teaching practice during 2020-21 at the Publishing and Printing Institute of National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”. There are work in small groups, didactic games, learning gamification, practical tasks from potential employers, case-methods, theatrical productions.

Keywords:

Media communication, distance learning, journalism, advertising, interactive methods, student assessment.