Pros and cons of holding open All-Russian competitions of students’ research projects in a distance format
In the last decade, computer technology has become an integral part of modern education. The year 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, not only confirmed this, but also clearly showed the enormous importance of computer technology for the educational environment. Currently, there are lively discussions about the pros and cons of distance learning in the scientific literature, the media, and on the Internet. At the same time, as a rule, the moment is missed that, in addition to academic studies in universities, an active student life is traditionally conducted, including various activities, including those related to research and project activities of students. Today, when experts argue that the main disadvantage of distance learning in higher education is the drop in student motivation, it is especially important to find relevant methods for professionalizing student youth in the modern information space. All of the above determined the relevance of the study. At UNECON, at the Faculty of Service, Tourism and Hospitality, the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Business annually organizes an open All-Russian competition for student research projects "Hotel of the 21st century: innovative concepts of hotel business development in Russia" (hereinafter - the competition). Such an organizational form as a student competition of projects in their professional direction increases the professional orientation of students and develops their creative abilities, creates intellectual potential. Based on specific modern research, the authors argue that "the process of professionalization acts as a leading factor in the personal development of students". In addition, as international and domestic experience shows, the main gaps in the training of specialists in the field of hospitality and tourism around the world concern, first of all: the skills of interpersonal communication; knowledge of foreign languages and computer technology; elementary business skills. This project competition is precisely what forms these universal and professional competencies. In the article, the authors, using the example of a competition held remotely in 2020, consider the pros and cons of organizing student research competitions in this format. The authors, having 6 years of experience in conducting a research activity of such a scale, using a comparative analysis, prove that the remote format for conducting research competitions for student projects is today promising and relevant, but taking into account and possible revision of the disadvantages identified and characterized by the authors.