Abstract:

The digitization of the education of engineering students has created new opportunities for conducting practical laboratory exercises. On the other hand, new generations of students place new demands on the self-efficacy of their own learning by preferring hands-on learning in a virtual environment. The study of the self-efficacy of learning of engineering students provoked the creation of three variants of learning methods in the specific part - practical learning. The methodology of laboratory exercises for mastering knowledge and skills for using bipolar transistors is adapted for face-to-face learning, for distance learning, as well as for learning using an electronic platform with synchronous and asynchronous learning and VPN / remote access / learning.

The article describes the specifics of the three learning models, the main procedures for performing the laboratory exercises in face-to-face, distance and remote access learning are described. The results of the exercises conducted with three groups of students are evaluated on the basis of completed and submitted protocols. The preferences of engineering students regarding the model of conducting practical exercises were assessed through conducted surveys.

The results obtained from the students' self-assessment regarding:
- mastered knowledge and skills for using a bipolar transistor;
- the procedures for performing the laboratory exercise using the three models;
- did challenges arise in the process of practical learning;

as well as a comparative analysis by the teacher regarding:
- mastered knowledge and skills by students;
- implementation of practical exercises procedures: accuracy, consistency, safety;
- the accuracy of the final results of the conducted laboratory exercises.

The comprehensive results demonstrate that laboratory practical exercises in engineering specialties can be successfully conducted both in face-to-face learning and , distance and remote access learning. Student preferences correlate with the higher level of mastered knowledge and skills. Students' academic self-efficacy increases with the opportunity to choose the type of study because it provides opportunities for the expression of their strengths.

Keywords:

Digitization of the education, face-to-face learning, distance learning, remote access learning, self-efficacy.