Integration of Digital (Neural Network) Avatars in the Practice of Teaching Russian Language Foreign Students

Introduction. The research is aimed at analyzing the didactic possibilities of integrating digital (neural network) avatars into the practice of teaching Russian to foreign students. The focus is on the discussion of the role of digital (neural network) avatars in the formation of linguo-country and communicative competence of foreign students. The educator has the opportunity to create such digital assistants based on the use of generative neural network technology through available online services. The aim of the study is to analyze and evaluate the integration of digital (neural network) avatars in the practice of teaching Russian to foreign students, as well as to identify their impact on the formation of linguo-country studies and communicative competence. Methodology. The methodological basis is formed by the main provisions of the cultural and environmental approach, experimental testing of the proposed approach in the work with foreign students of the Russian State University named after A. I. Herzen (Saint Petersburg). Results. Digital (neural network) avatars are characterized as a modern teaching tool of digital educational environment, which is relevant in the cross-section of phonetic representation of aspects of the studied language to enhance the impact of reading texts in Russian on its perception, studentsʼ understanding of cultural contexts, the formation of intercultural communication skills. Conclusions. Digital (neural network) avatars as virtual speakers provide interactive interaction with students, deeper involvement of students in the process of learning Russian and a personalized approach to learning. The results of the study are practically significant for the development of modern approaches in language learning using digital technologies.