Abstract:

Nowadays education systems around the world experience digital transformation. Higher education is moving forward with mobile learning (m-learning) technologies changing forms of education and evolving from traditional to hybrid and distance learning. The COVID-19 pandemic became the undoubted catalyst for the use of online learning approach when higher education institutions had to fully implement distance learning.

The research aims to discuss advantages and problems of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) and the prospect of using m-learning technology in foreign language teaching. Throughout this study, the authors consider appropriateness and necessity of using mobile devices, as well as educational apps analyzing the m-learning features. The authors evaluate the most effective mobile applications for foreign language teaching and substantiate the principles of choosing academic forms of education in the framework of m-learning technology.

The empirical method of collecting data has been used as the primary research method applying the results of the survey conducted among the students and teachers of the Department of Foreign Languages of the Engineering Academy of the RUDN University. The purpose of the survey was to collect information on the mobile devices use and the introduction of m-learning technology in the process of foreign language teaching and learning.

The results of the survey indicate that foreign language teachers at the Engineering Academy of the RUDN University actively use mobile technologies in their professional activities and most of the students support the introduction of mobile technologies into education.

The identified educational advantages make it possible to consider m-learning as one of the key technologies to teach and learn foreign languages in addition to the traditional teaching methods. This approach benefits such aspects of foreign language learning as spoken language, reading / listening comprehension, and supports the student’s communicative competence.

Keywords:

Foreign language, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), mobile devices, educational apps.