DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TRAINING IN HEIs: LANGUAGE PREPARATION THROUGH THE PRISM OF WARTIME CHALLENGES

Abstract

The article examines the transformational processes in the system of language training for international students under the influence of martial law. The authors argue that the distance format of language training for international students, and especially the teaching of Ukrainian as a foreign language under martial law conditions, actualizes a number of systemic challenges that directly affect the quality of the educational outcome. Critical problems include the deficit of language practice, reduction of classroom workload, leveling of the value of "live" contact under conditions of learning digitalization, as well as the transformation of learning motivation as a psychological and pedagogical challenge. The distance mode requires an ultra-high level of self-organization from the international student. In the absence of the physical effect of a teacher's presence and academic group support, the level of engagement naturally decreases. Under such conditions, the effectiveness of the course directly depends on the teacher's ability to implement interactive and gamified methods capable of compensating for the lack of real interaction and maintaining interest.

The authors focus on identifying the specifics of using digital technologies in the process of language training for foreigners, determining ways to optimize the educational process in the face of wartime challenges, and presenting their own practical experience regarding the implementation of digital tools in the training process of international students in HEIs. The necessity of implementing a combined model of distance learning is emphasized, where the synergy of synchronous and asynchronous modes acts as a determinant of successful communicative competence formation. The experience of the practical application of digital platforms, digital interaction practices, gamification, personalization of learning, and the use of AI tools to support the motivation of international students is analyzed. Recommendations are proposed for optimizing the language training of foreigners in HEIs, the effective results of which will be flexibility, emotional support, and the development of students' digital competence.

The authors conclude that the strategic resilience of Ukrainian higher education in wartime conditions is ensured through the digital transformation of language training and the implementation of flexible learning models. It is proven that the integration of artificial intelligence tools and the convergence of synchronous and asynchronous formats not only compensate for the absence of a language environment but also increase the competitiveness of domestic HEIs in the global market of educational services.