Роль гейміфікованих вправ, створених за програмою Нot Рotatoes, у формуванні комунікативної компетентності суднових механіків

Abstract

Our research deals with the use of innovation technologies in the professional training of future marine specialists, namely ship engineers. As the title implies the article describes the role of gamification activities (educational exercises in the form of a game) created with the help of the Hot Potatoes program and placed in LMS MOODLE (Learning management system Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment). Couple of “gamification activities” definitions are listed. The advantages of gamification activities while studying English for specific purpose are mentioned (diversify of the routine implementation of typical exercises in the educational and communicative electronic environment, increasing of motivation, prolonged term of interest in solving the problem and increasing of the probability of achieving the studying goal). The types of Hot Potatoes program gamification activities (JClose, JMatch, JQuiz, JCross, JMix, The Masher) are described. Their application in electronic courses in LMS MOODLE to study Maritime English for professional purpose is described. The elements of gamification of every created with the help of Hot Potatoes program activity are listed (points and marks, the possibility of using hints and clues, visual progress, the right to mistake, the opportunity to start the game again, game design – the presence of special buttons). It is highlighted that JClose allows teachers to create gap-filled activities with gamification elements; JMatch creates activities to match elements of two groups; JQuiz uses four types of tasks (Short answer; Multiple choice; Mixed; Alternative choice) and creates quiz; JCross creates crosswords; JMix mixes types of activities; The Masher allows to create units from the packages of the above types of exercises program automatically. The article proves that Hot Potatoes program exercises diversify the routine implementation of typical exercises in electronic courses of LMS MOODLE, increase motivation of students to study and learn English for specific purpose, extend the term of interest etc. To make further research in this field we are going to study Qedoc, Xerte and iSpring programs and the role of created with their help gamification activities in formation of the communicative competence of future marine specialists, namely ship engineers. Key words: gamification activities, LMS MOODLE, Hot Potatoes, ship engineers, communicative competence.