Formation of HEIs students' soft skills using distance learning platforms in foreign language teaching

Author(s):

DOI: https://doi.org/10.30929/2307-9770.2021.09.01.03

Paper Language: UKR

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Abstract

The article is devoted to the implementation of modern distance learning technologies while teaching and studying Business English by the students for non-philological specialties. This research aims to identify the impact of distance learning platforms on the formation of soft skills. In the course of the research, the conceptual apparatus of distance learning is concretized; the positive and negative aspects of the new education system using e-technologies for the educational process in higher education institutions is highlighted; the effectiveness of distance technologies is analyzed in the context of soft skills development. The pedagogical ways of introducing multimedia teaching aids in learning a foreign language as a key condition for the fundamental training of a qualified specialist focused on meeting the needs of the modern market are described in detail. Based on the behavioral approach and analysis and synthesis of data from domestic and foreign literature, a comparative study of the theory and practice of introducing distance learning, it has been proved that with the change in educational trends and versatility of training courses, competition in the labor market is growing and in order to gain an advantage over competitors, students have no other choice than adding value to their professional skills with soft skills to showcase their true potential. It is noted that one of the most pressing problems in the field of digitalization of the educational process is the reform of curricula in order to adapt universities to the demands of the labor market. It has been proven that the effectiveness of achieving the triune goal (especially the developmental one) directly depends on the chosen forms and methods of teaching, and the inclusion of information and communication technologies is a consequence of the growing share of national GDP, which covers new technological industries and the high-level service sector. The challenges facing the modern higher education system during the pandemic is a step towards a new stage in its development and contextualisation, where the teacher acts as a mediator. In this regard, and with the aim of developing flexible skills of future specialists, distance learning platforms in learning a foreign language are considered as a way to solve complex problems, innovations and creativity, visualize new markets, understand social and global consequences, work in a new multi-faceted environment and with people of different cultures and countries, developing new products and services.

Keywords

soft skills, contextualization, higher education institutions (HEIs), versatility, employment-oriented skills, facilitator

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