CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ENGLISH LESSONS FOR PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of using digital technologies, describes their positive aspects and presents some modern pedagogical tools in the process of learning English for professional purposes.The author explores the potential of using widespread software such as editorial and publishing applications such as blogging platforms: WordPress and Blogger, podcasting services such as Podomatic; platforms that serve as repositories and sharing environments for videos, slides and images, such as Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo and Slideshare; tools for collaborative accumulation of information and publications such as wikis; learning management systems such as Moodle; social networking tools such as Twitter and Facebook or the alternative for educational use Edmodo.Online games, wikis and blogs are explored, where games have always been used in language classes, but recently the concept of gamification has been applied to justify its introduction into the educational process. The role of the Internet as an authentic environment where English teachers conduct the educational process, enhance their professional development, and search for new materials and ideas for their classes is clarified.The global Internet helps students to implement autonomous learning and search for material for personal growth according to their own needs.A blended learning approach combines classroom learning with online learning, as well as synchronous (e.g. Skype, video conferencing rooms) and asynchronous (discussion groups, blogs, learning management systems, etc.) communication tools, which helps to increase learning efficiency.Modern information and communication technologies ensure active, creative learning of new material by students and allow them to present material at a new and higher level.