USE OF MODERN APPLIED COMPUTER PROGRAMS AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF QUALITY TRAINING OF AGRICULTURAL PROFESSIONALS

Introduction. The main focus of higher vocational education of an agrarian profile should be shifted to high-quality mastery of information and computer technologies in the engineering, technological and processing spheres. Today, it is not enough to simply use a computer to optimize and simplify one's professional activities, it is necessary to systematically understand the entire information picture of the world and master specialized computer programs by profession Purpose. Identifying the features of the use of specialized computer programs for the effective formation of information competence of future specialists in engineering, technical and technological specialties of agricultural higher education institutions. Methods. Pedagogical observation, conversations, interviews, questionnaires. Results. The list of abilities and skills that are part of the information competence of an agricultural profile specialist in the engineering, technical and technological direction is given. The main levels and criteria for its formation are outlined, namely: 1) the main level – ability to combine earlier mastered knowledge and ability to make decisions in non-standard situations; 2) the professional level – ability to use a computer and modern information technologies in their professional activities to solve tasks and problem situations; 3) the logical level – ability to use a computer and modern information technologies in everyday activities. The peculiarities of using innovative methods and technologies of education are indicated. One of the possible variants of the didactic system for the formation of information competence of applicants of engineering, technical and technological specialties of the agrarian profile during the study of computer disciplines is proposed.Originality. The use of innovative teaching methods, organizational forms and learning technologies during the study of specialized computer software packages by students of agricultural higher education is described. A didactic system for the formation of information competence of students of engineering and technical specialties with the use of special computer software packages is proposed. Conclusion. The formation of information competence on the basis of the outlined levels and criteria of formation, the proposed didactic system and applied computer systems will have a positive effect on the formation of integral competence as a basis for the future successful professional activity of engineering and technological specialties of the agricultural industry.