A New Methodology for Teaching the Course “Russian as a Foreign Language” in the Digital Environment: Development, Results and Prospects

The article considers issues covering teaching Russian as a foreign language in a technical university in the preparatory department, using the new online course. The process of production of the online course is revealed. The course structure is described, which includes the following sections: «New Vocabulary», «Reading a Text», «New Grammar», «Listening to Texts and Dialogues», «Complete the Tests», «Interesting Facts about Russia». We mention three possible scenarios of using the online course: 1) an independent distance course (without teachers’ participation); 2) a supplementary electronic resource (in traditional full-time studies offline, with teachers’ participation); 3) blended learning. The methodology of experimental teaching in the “blended learning system” with the use of the online course “Russian as a Foreign Language: Beginners’ Level” is described. Thorough information is given on preparing the experiment, its contingent, conditions, and duration of studies. We mention the peculiarities of studies online versus studies offline. We take into consideration the methods of students’ progress control: they are both traditional (written homework was checked by teachers), and automatized (online tests were checked by computer). We analyze the experimental methodology results, and the advantages of both self-studies and classwork. The article concludes with the prospects of the online course “Russian as a Foreign Language” in a technical university and the further development of the following courses: “The Introductory Course of Phonetics and Graphics”, “The Scientific Speech Course”