In this article, blended learning, its effectiveness in foreign language teaching, the basic approaches used in the development of e-learning courses "Foreign Language (English)" for four modules are considered, and the results are presented

The behavior of filler particles in the polymer matrix on a physical model representing the suspension of solid particles in the apolar liquid has been studied. Relative sedimentation volumes of powder components included in the polymer composition for the cable insulation in liquids of different polarity have been identified. The dependence of the effect of hygroscopic powder fillers on the relative sedimentation volume of powders and a ratio of wetting has been studied. It has been found that hydrophobic interactions are not observed at the surface of completely dry materials placed in liquids of different polarity. Consequently, the role of the filler is actually to prevent adsorption of moisture from the air on the surface of the particles, to reduce their hygroscopicity. It is proposed to assess the degree of water-repellency of the particles of powdered fillers by the measurement of their maximum hygroscopicity

Calcium silicate plates of Danish company «Skamol» possess better heat and power characteristics than the domestic materials, but because of import the cost of these plates is very high. Due to this reason we obtained the alternative domestic product. According to the hypothesis the synthesized samples, with proper characteristics were received. Further technology development will allow us to produce ultralight materials with high structural characteristics.

This article considers e-learning as one of the efficient technologies implemented in National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) for teaching Russian and foreign students. The paper introduces the courses designed for teaching General English. The authors have analyzed the results of e-learning implementation in TPU and identified the advantages and probable disadvantages of the technology. One of the most significant benefits of e-courses is optimization of learning technology, which contributes to efficient use of human and technological resources and enhances the national education system in general. Avoidance of the recognized disadvantages suggests a blended learning strategy

Academic writing is considered to be the most challenging and difficult skill in terms of English as a Second Language. This study critically explores the obstacles in academic writing faced by students at Tomsk Polytechnic University, Russia. To investigate, a comprehensive questionnaire has been floated among professional teachers to get their expert opinions (about students’ obstacles in writing) in order to identify some problems and form effective remedial strategies eventually. This paper focuses on the two significant aspects of academic writing, namely language skills (LS) (Grammar etc.) and writing skills (WS) (writing itself as a skill). Equally relevant to the issue are organization, coherence, and connectivity. The authors claim that Russian learners have poor learning background in writing skills due to the lack of balanced syllabus and teaching technologies. Aside from this, only determining problems is not sufficient to take students out of writing phobia. Furthermore, it is necessary to point out the fact that poor reading skills also lead to this kind of disappointment. Most of Russian learners do not know how to initiate their composition (essays). This paper will prove to be an academic contribution to improve the writing skills among ESL/EFL Russian learners in general and students of Tomsk Polytechnic University in particular. The presented analysis should also be of interest to researchers in other countries (universities) in which the field of academic writing is emerging.