Pedagogical foundations for developing students’ foreign language competencies in the digital educational environment of Russian universities

The research aims to elaborate pedagogical foundations for the development of students’ foreign language competencies in the higher education system of the Russian Federation through the integration of traditional and innovative educational technologies, as well as the development of digital literacy and media competence of students in the context of the digitalization process taking place in modern society. The article presents a comprehensive approach to understanding the digital educational environment (DEE) as a set of didactic, technological, organizational, and personnel elements, interconnected and aimed at achieving pedagogical goals in the context of foreign language learning. The work analyzes the problems and opportunities that have arisen as a result of education digitalization, the role of teachers and students in a developed DEE, as well as the pedagogical foundations for its design and functioning as applied to foreign language education. Particular attention is paid to the integration of traditional and innovative educational technologies, as well as the specific features of developing digital literacy and media competence in students during foreign language learning at Russian universities. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the formulation of principles necessary for the productive development of the DEE in higher education institutions, contributing to the effective formation of foreign language competencies among students of Russian universities. The research findings include: identification of the principles for the development of the DEE (personalization, accessibility, adaptability, interactivity, flexibility, inclusivity, control, and integrity); development of methodological recommendations for introducing digital technologies (online language learning platforms, artificial intelligence tools, virtual and augmented reality, educational quests) into the foreign language learning process; and substantiation of the importance of continuous professional development of teachers in the field of digital skills.