Ispring platform for learning Russian as a foreign language

ABSTRACT

This study examined the efficiency of teaching Russian as a foreign language (L2) in two groups of students – the first benefited from the e-learning platform’s capabilities (experimental), and the second underwent a traditional in-class course. Students learning Russian as L2 at People’s Friendship University of Russia (Moscow, Russia) were enrolled in the experiment. The research sample comprised 75 individuals distributed to three experimental groups and 33 individuals allocated to three control groups. All data obtained as a result of the study were statistically analyzed. In order to study the overall effect of using the iSpring platform, the research outcomes were combined by Stouffer’s Z-score method. Together with this, at each examination stage, repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Students’ progress in learning Russian was evaluated by way of pre- and post-testing. After the experiment finished, all respondents were surveyed to analyze their perception of the effectiveness, convenience, and satisfaction of the chosen learning mode. The study found that students from experimental groups spent significantly more time for learning, demonstrating better performance. It was remarked that iSpring’s adaptive learning features contribute to improving students’ performance by encouraging them to learn better and faster.

KEYWORDS:

• e-learning platform
• information technology
• interactive teaching materials
• iSpring
• Russian as L2

Acknowledgments

Larisa Kosareva has been supported by the RUDN University Strategic Academic Leadership Program.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and material

Data will be available on request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by RUDN University: (RUDN University Strategic Academic Leadership Prog).

Notes on contributors

Larisa Kosareva

Larisa Kosareva PhD in Philology, Associate Professor at the Russian Language Department No. 3, Faculty of the Russian Language and General Educational Disciplines, Рeoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), in Moscow, Russian Federation.

Lev Demidov

Lev Demidov PhD, Professor at the Department of Business Informatics, Financial University Under the Government of the Russian Federation, in Moscow, Russian Federation.

Irina Ikonnikova

Irina Ikonnikova PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Computer Science and Statistics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), in Moscow, Russian Federation.

Olga Shalamovа

Olga Shalamovа PhD in Pedagogics, Assistant Professor at the Department of Oriental Studies and History, Pacific State University, in Khabarovsk, Russian Federation.