Comparative analysis of international students' preferences in the use of modern information technologies in Russian and Chinese universities

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Introduction. The actual problem of organizing the process of foreign language teaching in modern conditions is the selection and application of appropriate information technologies to increase students' motivation, form an interest in learning a foreign language, implement pedagogical tasks, optimize the learning process and carry out regular interaction with students within the educational process. At the same time, it is important to take into account the preference of the students themselves to choose one or another technology, since a significant part of Chinese students who learn Russian in China then continue studying it in Russian universities. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between foreign students studying in Russian and Chinese universities on the preferences in the use of modern information technology, as well as the way of interaction with the teacher when studying Russian. Research methods. The study involved 417 foreign students from Russian and Chinese universities. The main methods of research: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, survey method, comparative analysis method. The φ-Fisher's test was used to establish statistically significant differences between the two groups. Results. International students from Russian universities use educational videos on the Russian language more often than students from Chinese universities (φemp = 3.591; p < 0.01). The educational platform Coursera is more often used by students studying at Chinese universities (φemp = 3.632; p < 0.01). Mobile applications were more frequently used by Chinese university students (φemp = 4.048; p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the frequency of use of voice assistants, online excursions and virtual travel services, educational environments, web quests, and educational podcasts during the study. The study of students' preferences in choosing a method of interaction with the teacher showed that 70% like to communicate with the teacher via messengers and 52% of respondents are ready to communicate with the teacher via videoconferencing. However, on average 85% responded that they prefer to study Russian in the classroom. Conclusion. The results of the study can be taken into account by teachers working with Chinese students when choosing modern information technologies, as well as ways of interaction with students in the framework of Russian language teaching.