Digital Transformations in Learning: New Approaches to Teaching Foreign Languages in the Modern Educational Environment

BACKGROUND The modern education system is undergoing constant transformation under the influence of digital technologies that are being introduced into the learning process. Although digital technologies are widely used in foreign language learning, their advantages are controversial and require further study to determine their applicability. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing digital technologies in foreign language teaching methods under experimental conditions at a local educational institution in Ukraine. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study used methods of analysis, synthesis, experimentation, testing, surveying, and statistical and graphical comparison. RESULTS The study involved 52 first-year students of the Faculty of Education who had taken an optional course in English. Depending on the teaching methodology, the students were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 26)—hybrid teaching methodology; and Group II (n = 26)—traditional methodology. The testing revealed higher results in writing, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and understanding of the context of video and audio materials, and text in Group I, which used digital technologies (electronic dictionaries, artificial intelligence, online learning applications, video and audio materials). In contrast, Group II showed better results in communication skills and dialogue skills, which were associated with a greater number of tasks involving live communication in the group. The survey results showed higher motivation after the course among students in Group I and a higher level of satisfaction with the course. In contrast, in Group II, the level of motivation after the course decreased, which was associated with a lower level of satisfaction with the course and lower results in acquiring linguistic skills. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed the high effectiveness of digital technologies for learning a foreign language, which should be combined with live communication to improve communication skills and the ability to conduct a dialogue. Another positive aspect of digital technologies in foreign language learning was identified as a positive impact on motivation to learn and satisfaction with the course.