Features of distance learning of the Russian language for foreign students in modern conditions of the Russian University

Abstract

Introduction. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning has become the main way to get education in higher education institutions in the Russian Federation. In the new conditions of academic activity, it is necessary to review approaches to the organization of training, existing methods and technologies for teaching Russian as a foreign language (RKI). Materials and methods. The purpose of the research is to show the advantages and disadvantages of the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language in a remote format from the point of view of foreign students and teachers of Russian as a foreign language. To achieve this goal, the authors use the following methods: the questionnaire method, the method of comparative analysis and systematization, and the content analysis method. The survey included 138 foreign students of the pre-University program from 29 countries and 52 teachers of Russian as a foreign language from Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU). Results. The survey made it possible to identify the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning in the organizational aspect, in the psychological aspect (for students and teachers), in the methodological aspect for teachers and in the educational (educational) aspect for students. The advantages of distance learning include, first of all, saving time on the road (93% of students) and the availability of electronic educational resources (89% of students and 100 % of teachers), etc. The main disadvantages are: complete dependence on technology and the quality of the Internet (100% of students and teachers); lack of practical communication in Russian (96% of students); an increase in the share of independent work in the educational process (91% of students); a significant increase in the amount of time spent preparing for classes (100% of teachers); the negative impact of distance learning on health (100%), etc. Discussion and conclusion. The results of the survey allow us to determine the trajectory of further methodological research in the development of new learning technologies. In modern conditions, online learning is becoming an integral part of the educational process, in which the technological learning environment should contribute to the formation of an innovative model of academic activity of foreign students in language training for higher education in the Russian Federation.