On issue of institutionalization of distance education

Background. The widespread use of distance education in connection with the spread of the Covid-19 virus has actualised the problem of institutionalisation of this form of educational activity as as the most optimal, and sometimes the only one possible. Objective is to define the concept, develop a classification and identify the main directions of institutionalisation of distance education. Methods. During the research study of scientific sources, theoretical analysis of the problem, conducting and processing the results of the survey of students, assessment of the development of the social situation, synthesis of the survey results and observed facts were used. Results. The article clarifies the concept of a social institution, defines and identifies the subjects of institutionalisation of distance education which makes it possible to understand the latter, on the one hand, as the process of integrating a person in an educational institution of distance education when it comes to a person (a consumer of a service), and on the other hand, as the acquisition of a formal status by an educational structure when we talk about a subsystem of distance education (a source of education). The article also outlines the stages of this process, presents a hypothesis about the influence of factors on the content of institutionalisation of education and potential conflicts. Practical significance. The results can be used to predict the directions of development of distance education.