Information Technologies in Foreign Language Teaching

Abstract

The article reveals the main possibilities of using information technologies in the implementation of language education in a non-linguistic university in the context of a complete transition to distance education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the basis of the analysis of domestic and foreign scientific sources and the accumulated pedagogical experience, the effectiveness of on-line pedagogy is investigated. The research materials are educational websites, MGIMO educational platforms, free applications (Google classroom, etc. ) and platforms (Moodle, Edmodo.com and others) in the implementation of the base of distance education in a foreign language. To achieve the goal of language learning in the conditions of COVID-19 quarantine, ICTs were used in four directions: educational platforms, online conferences, educational sites and applications for free language learning, sites (with duplicate applications) for creating tests.Teaching a foreign language in the conditions of the COVID-19 quarantine and the use of IT was implemented in MGIMO OF in March-December 2020 in the following 4 main areas::1. Educational platforms Moodle, MS Teams, Edmodo, Google classroom, etc. they allowed teachers to create and conduct off-line classes. A number of Google classes were organized at MGIMO OF: bk74rxe, 6hcdyrh, hfcrter, etc., where the teaching staff placed the corresponding tasks for students.2. To conduct on-line pairs and improve the language competence of students, the capabilities of Google hangouts meet, Zoom conferences, etc. were used, which was aimed at improving listening and speaking skills. Practice has shown that about 75% of students on-line classes aroused interest, although some students experienced some difficulties.3. Apps and educational websites provide real opportunities for teaching staff and students to download and discuss authentic materials. This contributed to the creation of a natural language environment and the launch of the process of improving the level of proficiency in a non-native language in the context of distance learning.The implementation of on-line pedagogy tools in this area was interesting to about 77% of students, especially they were impressed by the opportunity to work with websites independently.4. The sites and their duplicate applications were used to create the tests. Google forms, kahoot.com, Quizlet.com Moodle tests, etc. play an indisputably important role in the organization and conduct of current control. In the Odintsovo Branch of MGIMO, teachers regularly conduct current and intermediate certification of students using IT (see link: http://ed.odin.mgimo.ru/sdo.php).So, based on the theoretical analysis and study of the results of pedagogical activity in MGIMO (Odintsovo) in a given way, it allowed us to conclude that it is possible to successfully implement language education in a distance format