Use of e-learning platforms for the management of self-studying at medical universities

the article aims to summarize the practice of using the distance learning technologies at the Department of Histology at Donetsk National Medical University, to evaluate its effectiveness and to make recommendations on the structure and content of the teaching materials to manage students' independent work. The authors analyze the organizational process of self-studying. Distance learning at the Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology is implemented through LMS MOODLE (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment). The content is a didactic system aimed at building fundamental knowledge of medicine and professional competencies, which includes the interrelated target, methodological, learning, advising and controlling units. As a result, student workload has changed (80,7 % started to study for 2–4 hours preparing for practical sessions). The study revealed an increase in quality performance of students from 40,6 ± 7,3 % (without distance learning) to 62,5 ± 5,0 % (with distance learning) (measurement error = 0,045), which reflects the effectiveness of students' self-studying. The authors conclude that the use of distance learning technologies (specifically, Moodle e-learning platform) enables an optimal organization and therefore increases an effectiveness of self-studying for practical sessions in histology.