THE USE OF FREE LANGUAGE LEARNING PLATFORMS FOR INDIVIDUAL LEARNING PROCESS

Abstract

Even though modern communication technologies are already employed in various processes starting from remotely initiated political revolutions or massive help initiatives to individually accessible self-development opportunities, attention of researchers is still attracted by global processes, while their use at individual level stays not fully revealed. Therefore, this article aims to research the interaction within social media and foreign language learning, which may contribute to the development of an ordinary internet user. The reader is invited to look at people‘s activity in social networks not only as an entertainment but also as a possibility of informal and individual learning. The study focuses on identifying possibilities to use the free language learning platforms for individual learning process. Taking into account the newest trends in the labour market, where more and more attention to the knowledge of foreign languages is being paid, we can notice that people are looking for diverse ways to develop their language skills. Nowadays mobile technologies together with social networks can already supply all types of language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The user interacts not only with a program but also with other people from all over the world. Structured qualitative interviews with Lithuanian participants have revealed that individual foreign language learning online is seen as an undeniable and useful practice. Nevertheless, internet language learning platforms cannot yet replace the traditional language learning methods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7220/2335-2027.8.9