About Using Mobile Learning Methods in Foreign Language Learning In NonLinguistic Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the methods of mobile learning in relation to foreign language learning in institutions of higher education and systematization of their practical use. Despite the fact that mobile devices with internet access are becoming more and more widespread among students and teachers, mobile learning, in foreign language learning in particular, is not common in non-linguistic institutions of higher education nowadays. The concepts of «mobile learning», «mobile technologies» have been described. Mobile learning of a foreign language should be understood as a form of learning process organization and control based on the use of mobile communication devices, where students can develop and improve their language skills, form socio-cultural and intercultural competences in order to use a foreign language as a means of communication in the social and professional sphere anywhere and at any time. Mobile technologies involve the use of mobile devices, access to training aids, forms of educational interaction and forms of training materials and tasks. The didactic possibilities of mobile technologies have been considered. They include accessibility by means of mobile devices; the possibility of storing and transmitting information of various formats; the possibility to post comments or make changes to the content; possibility of using them as information resources; the possibility of organizing a network discussion; the possibility to perform group and individual projects. The didactic and methodical functions of mobile technologies when learning foreign language have been presented. The requirements to mobile learning programs and advantages of their using have been covered. The disadvantages and problems of using mobile learning in foreign language learning have been given. Division of practical using methods of mobile learning in relation to foreign language learning in non-linguistic institutions of higher education into five groups has been presented. Each group has been grounded and illustrated with examples.