The study is devoted to the development of electronic and distance learning tools for mastering the skills of applying mathematical methods by specialists in the field of automated systems development. The concept (structure) of an automated information system (AIS) for managing the life cycle of exercises to study optimization methods has been developed and schematically presented. An important element of decision support in the AIS is software simulators (training and training components) that generate exercise options and automatically check them based on the properties of mathematical models of optimization problems. An algorithmic and prototype software for the training subsystem for monitoring the skills of solving optimization problems have been developed. Variations in the interfaces for constructing a mathematical model for an optimization problem by a student when performing an exercise in the AIS are demonstrated. Building a model in the interface and, accordingly, the complexity of the exercise depends on the number of model parameters that can be changed by the student. The simulator provides an integral assessment of the student's actions when performing the task. The introduction of the simulator into the digital educational environment of the university will automate and simplify the implementation of current and intermediate control of knowledge and skills in the disciplines studied.

Keywords: optimization problems, mathematical programming, decision support, software simulator, mathematical modeling of systems and processes, visual modeling