Turbulent world events require crisis-sensitive education models that can address new challenges and promote productive learning in extraordinary times. The research aimed to analyze the issue of teaching a foreign language to undergraduate students using intervention techniques in online and offline modes. The researchers suggested the following responsive and adaptive strategies: the creation of adaptive online learning platforms, the development of a multimedia resources bank and the careful selection of innovative teaching tools capable of addressing both psychological and educational needs. The work in groups of both formats was studied through discussion and survey from the point of view of teachers’ perceptions of positive and negative features, difficulties revealed in the education in emergencies, and the productivity of using specially designed adaptive teaching techniques for coping with them. The findings show that in most aspects teachers have a more positive assessment of ‘live’ language teaching in comparison with the online format. They indicate such benefits as more coordinated work, a collaborative and engaging environment, controllability, and greater motivation. The most effective tools used for developing vocabulary, listening skills, reading skills, and speaking skills were revealed. The final testing results in both online and offline groups were analyzed to study the effectiveness of the employed intervention methods. The study demonstrates that the rigorous instructional design is of vital importance for education in an emergency. Special attention should be given to specific adaptive and responsive intervention technologies aimed at interaction and communication enhancement as well as psychological support of students, the choice of which can be determined by the distinctive features of different teaching formats.
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