Pedagogical conditions of using technical means in language learning

Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice

UDC 37.013.46                                     

Language is one of the key factors in the ability to communicate internationally. For proficiency and communication, students use different parts of English like listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, one of the important elements for learning is the method that teachers use in their classes to facilitate the language learning process. Computers are an important teaching tool in language classes where teachers have convenient access, are adequately prepared and have some freedom in curriculum. For many teachers, computer technology is an important part of the delivery of quality language instruction .

Technology continues to influence how languages are taught and learned worldwide. The formal classroom is no longer the primary place for language learning; the landscape of language teaching and learning has changed so rapidly.

Our formal education system has been using various educational technology tools and multimedia-based learning content for decades, so enhancing language learning with e-learning applications and technology is nothing new. Identification, justification and verification of pedagogical conditions ensuring the success of the activity is one of the most interesting aspects of modern pedagogical research related to the problems of improving the functioning of pedagogical systems and increasing the effectiveness of the educational process [1].

Using electronic means of communication is particularly valuable for teaching languages, as it allows to expand the possibilities of communicating in the learned language and to include real communication in the learning process. Educational conditions are a set of objective possibilities of contents, forms, methods, means and material and spatial surroundings for the solution of the set tasks. Multimedia technologies are used to teach foreign languages in a very wide range.

Improvement of pedagogical skills of teachers by mastering modern technologies of teaching and education is a necessary condition. Educational technology is the design of the learning process on the basis of the use of the set of methods, techniques and forms of organization of teaching and learning activity, increasing the effectiveness of learning, whose application produces clear results. In this way, the process of English language teaching can be seen from a new point of view, the psychological mechanisms of personality formation can be mastered, and thus the results are better [2].

Development of students' motivation to learn a foreign language and use it for obtaining necessary information and communication with representatives of different countries and cultures is the second pedagogical condition. In practice it is proved that in the formation and development of basic language skills multimedia technologies are effectively used.

The focus on the development of communicative competence in the foreign language in receptive (listening, reading) and productive (writing, speaking) types of language activity is the next pedagogical condition for the use of multimedia learning tools.

For language learners, technology provides unlimited resources. Some scholars emphasized that in order to be successful in language learning, teachers should encourage learners to find appropriate activities through the use of computer technology.

The use of appropriate technological materials can be useful for learners because the use of computer-based language activities enhances learners' cooperative learning. Modern language teaching and learning technologies include, among others, language laboratories, online learning, digitalization, multimedia devices, mobile devices, learning applications, flashcards, audio-visual multimedia content, EdTech solutions and social media that enable faster and more comprehensive language learning [3].

For example, to familiarize students with language vocabulary and structure, or to allow them to practice pronunciation and speaking with native speakers, the use of multimedia content in the classroom could integrate print, video, educational games and the Internet.

So, how do the tools of educational technology support educators?

• 1.    Creates a better environment for learning. In a technology-enabled learning environment, flexible classroom spaces that integrate connected devices, audiovisual tools, and purpose-built furniture facilitate positive student engagement and the mix of independent, small-group, and whole-class learning now recognized as essential for student success.

• 2.    Enables a much wider range of methods and resources for teaching languages. In contrast with traditional language teaching methods that can make students passive and bored, modern language teaching methods use multimedia, communicative language teaching methods, a variety of resources and educational games that help students learn a language in a meaningful way. Teachers have access to many digital resources including e-books, audio, videos and online articles to complement your lessons. These resources are a valuable tool in the language classroom because they offer greater flexibility and can be easily updated.

• 3.    Links the classroom to the real world. Teachers can bring the larger real world into the classroom with new technology in the language classroom, such as video, images and software solutions. Students are motivated to practice and immerse themselves in second language learning by putting theory into practice.

• 4.    Time savings in lesson planning and organization. Technology provides tools and platforms to help educators improve the efficiency of planning, organizing, and sharing instruction. Teachers can manage course content, assignments and assessments in a centralized online location using Learning Management Systems and dedicated language learning platforms.

• 5.    Increases opportunities for continuous professional development. Language teachers can continue their education and develop new skills in educational technology and language teaching pedagogy through online courses, instructional videos, webinars and e-conferences [4].

In conclusion, the results of this literature review show that technology enables teacherlearner interaction, provides intelligible input and output, helps learners develop thinking skills, makes learning and teaching more student-centered, enhances learner autonomy and confidence, and enhances learner motivation to learn a foreign language effectively.