Information and consulting support of agricultural specialists as a factor of professional socialization
Introduction . The possibility of continuous agricultural education of agro-industrial complex specialists is limited by the seasonality of technological processes in crop production and year-round production of livestock products. It is necessary to pay special attention to the use of information technology in teaching. In this regard, the elements of distance learning make it possible to reduce the overall costs of organizing the educational process of agricultural specialists, attract an additional contingent of trainees, expand the market of educational services due to the possibility of on-the-job training, and training at their place of residence. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the system of information and consulting support for specialists in the agro-industrial complex of the Rostov region and determine the possibility of organizing continuous training. Material and methodology of research . A questionnaire consisting of three blocks of questions has been developed. The first block consists of questions that allow you to create motivation for the respondent to participate in the study. The second block consists of “closed” questions that allow conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis. The third block is social questions. Results. The analysis of the respondents' level of education showed that 64 % of specialists have higher professional education, 14 % have secondary specialized education, 10 % have secondary technical education. Among agricultural specialists there are teachers, shoe manufacturing technologists, teachers of vocational education. Discussion . It should be noted that it is necessary to obtain new knowledge in agricultural education in connection with the constant improvement of technologies. The organization of the educational process with elements of distance learning will make it possible to implement the principle of “continuous learning”. Conclusion . It is important to note that in the current conditions, the elements of interactive learning allow you to improve your professional level at any time and in any place where there is a computer with Internet access.