Foreign language course modeling within the master’s training in the context of education digitalization

Abstract

In the global digital economy the discrepancy between the requirements of employers and vocational training in Russia has received considerable critical attention. Institutions of higher education play a key role in the information and communication competence development. This paper finds that a foreign language course at a non-linguistic university is an optimal tool for the development and improvement of these skills. The aim of this study was to clarify the foreign language teaching methods within a Master’s course at the agrarian university, which can provide information and communication competence development. The system of the foreign language teaching methods for the development and improvement of digital literacy is presented. The authors conclude that the development efficiency depends on many factors, including the willingness of the teacher himself to use digital tools, and the pedagogical aspect of their development and implementation. Students’ motivation is crucial as well. The questionnaire required students to give self-assessment of their digital skills after the foreign language course. ‘Communication and collaboration’, ‘Information and data literacy’ components are developed on the advanced level due to the youth involvement in communication through digital gadgets and apps. However, learning skills require special methods of development and improvement.