Transformation of the Functions of Higher School Teachers in Conditions of Uncertainty: Problem Statement

Introduction. In modern social and educational conditions, the process of uncertainty in pedagogical practice occurs at a rapid pace, due to the globalisation and digitalisation of education, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there are teachers' transformations and new functions, which cannot affect their pedagogical capabilities;therefore, the article presents a problem on this issue.Aim. The aim of this problematic article is to consider from different points of view the phenom- enon of uncertainty in pedagogical activity and the transformation of the functions of higher school teachers in the conditions of uncertainty caused by the digitalisation of education. Methodology and research methods. The work was based on the methodology of interdisciplinary analysis of theoretical sources, foreign and Russian pedagogical experience in the field of uncertainties;the method of questioning and interviewing teachers of higher education was used to identify attitudes to professional activity in conditions of uncertainty.Results and scientific novelty. In the course of the study, it was found that at the present stage of education development, the transformation of the functions of higher school teachers in conditions of uncertainty is not investigated either in Russian pedagogical practice or abroad due to the undeveloped theoretical provisions in this area of pedagogical activity. The problem is posed in the field of transfor- mation of the capabilities and functions of higher school teachers in conditions of uncertainty from the perspective of different sciences. The scientific novelty of the research is the following developed provi- sions: 1) a new interpretation of the concept of "professional functions of a teacher" is proposed, includ- ing professional competence and professional activity of a teacher in a digital educational environment within his/her subject area at the university;2) a pedagogical model of transformation of teacher func- tions in a digital educational environment is developed, including the functions of teaching, upbringing, methodological function, as well as the function of digital didactics and the digital competence function of the teacher;3) the uncertainty factors and their content that influence the process of transformation of the functions of higher school teachers are identified: technological management of pedagogical ac- tivity;pedagogical practice without emotional contact between the subjects of the educational process;self-realisation in a virtual environment;the need for design thinking;personal growth of a teacher in a digital educational environment;transformation of the functions of managing their own pedagogical practice;4) a classification of uncertainties encountered in the professional activities of higher school teachers has been developed based on two characteristics - belonging to professional educational activ- ities and digital support of pedagogical practice.Practical significance. The proposed classification and uncertainty factors influencing the process of transformation of the functions of higher school teachers can be used in pedagogical practice to deter- mine internal and external influences on teachers in the digital educational environment.

Social values of students in conditions of digitalization of education and COVID-19

Introduction. During the COVID-19 pandemic variety of digital tools and technologies were demonstrated owing to the global digitalization of education and the total transition to online learning. The purpose of present research is to determine factors of digitalization of education and their effect on transformation of social values among high school students in conditions of the COVID-19. The results of research on social values of students were considered using comparative analysis. It was revealed that the paradigm of values among young people changed from an individual-personal one at the beginning of the XXI century to the social oriented paradigm - tolerance, openness, public recognition through social networks, self-development and contribution to the community. Materials and Methods. The analysis of pedagogical experience in the field of digitalization of education allowed to formulate the main factors of global digitalization of education and to highlight positive and negative aspects of online learning. According to M. Rokich's method, an empirical study of instrumental values transformations was carried out among 137 students of Ural Federal University in the conditions of full-time online learning. A questionnaire method was implemented to determine students' attitude to online learning during COVID-19 pandemic and possibility for further development of this form of learning. Results. It was revealed that only 13.7% of respondents did not notice any decrease in the quality of learning and did not experience discomfort in obtaining knowledge in online form. According to the students' opinion the values that are subjected to transformation are the following: efficiency, self-control, responsibility, honesty. It can be concluded that the era of network personality and new scientific knowledge in pedagogy has begun. Online learning is a fait accompli which requires scientific substantiation of a new didactics and social values system development among students in a digital education environment. Discussion and Conclusion. Achieved results contribute to ecological system of new digital services that change life and educational activities of a human, as well as transform his personality and values system. Thus, for the purpose of health and emotional intelligence preservation in students the continuation of interdisciplinary study of various aspects of education digitalization is required. © Rezer T. M., 2021.