Formation of foreign language competences of students using mobile applications

Abstract

The problem and the aim of the study. The modern epidemiological situations, the format of distance interaction determine the importance of including digital technologies in teaching a foreign language. The problems of obtaining the practice of oral foreign language communication, studying the norms of vocabulary, grammar and mechanisms of word formation are topical. The authors investigate the conditions for the effective use of mobile applications for formation of foreign language competences of students with purposeful integration of work using m-learning technologies into the educational process of the university. Research methods. The theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific literature on m-learning, problems of teaching a foreign language in the online format are applied. The research methodology is based on the principles of task-based learning. The provisions of the communicative-activity approach were taken into account when integrating mobile applications into the subject-subject scheme of foreign language communication. The empirical methods were used (testing, analysis of the results of work with mobile applications and MS Teams). The study involved 97 first-year students of the training program 44.03.05 Pedagogical education, two educational program specializations (training level – bachelor's degree) of Vyatka State University. In the experiment, the Fisher criterion was used to process the results. Results. The students of the experimental group were involved in the cognitive activity with mobile applications within the framework of the specially designed module, group interaction over a project, educational practice, professional self-presentation and intercultural foreign language communication. Statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of the level of foreign language competence φCRIT = 1.64 <φEMP = 2.418 were revealed. In conclusion the conditions under which the use of mobile applications for the formation of foreign language competences of students will be as effective as possible are summarized: the purposeful nature of work with m-learning technologies; collaboration of teachers of related disciplines; active participation of students at all stages of choosing and using a mobile application; creation of cases of mobile resources.