Online resources in teaching Russian as a foreign language: expectations vs reality

The paper discusses using online resources in modern teaching Russian as a foreign language (henceforth - RFL). A lot of resources for teaching and learning Russian are uploaded online daily. However, the format of their integration into educational process has not been analyzed yet. The acuteness of the present study stems from the necessity to define effective educational online resources for teaching RFL. The study draws upon the data of free-access online resources developed for A0-B1 level students in leading Russian universities. The aim of the study is to analyse online RFL resources, including educational software, applications and sites, their structure and their chances to be integrated into teaching process. The research has resulted in estimating educational and functional value of online teaching resources for students who study Russian in order to enter Russian universities. The paper presents conclusions concerning practical application of online resources in RFL teaching practice in blended education of foreign students in the higher educational establishments. The theoretical significance of the research lies in the fact that the analysis of fundamental scientific articles and electronic materials allows us to expand and deepen our knowledge about the place of e-teaching aids in the sphere of teaching foreign languages and RFL, as well as to justify the need to include electronic teaching materials in order to intensify the learning process. The results of the research can be implemented in blended forms of learning, distance learning, as well as in organizing students' independent learning in the university environment.