Information technologies as a means of early learning of foreign languages

This article explores the pervasive advantages of information technologies (IT) in education, emphasizing its applicability across all educational stages, from early learning of foreign languages to professional activities. A current trend in modern education, the integration of IT aligns with didactic goals, enhancing cognitive activity and creative abilities among students. The article particularly underscores the crucial role of IT in stimulating speech and mental activity, demonstrating its significance in teaching foreign languages to young learners. The article positions information technologies as a key facilitator in achieving educational objectives and fostering essential skills, especially in the context of early language learning.

Keywords: information technologies, early learning, foreign languages, pre-school children, applications, web-resources, online platforms, electronic learning.

Information technologies (IT) in education provide many opportunities to improve learning, expand access to knowledge and develop new methods of the educational process.

Information technologies (IT) are the integration of various methods and tools that allow the educational process to be carried out through various computer programs, platforms and Internet resources [1, p. 34].

We have identified the main positive aspects of the use of IT in education:

1. Access to information: IT provide wide access to educational resources via the Internet. This allows children and teachers to receive up-to-date materials and learning resources.
2. Online learning: distance learning platforms and online courses provide the opportunity to learn anytime and anywhere. It is beneficial for those who cannot attend traditional educational institutions.
3. Interactive learning resources: software and web applications allow the creation of interactive lessons, e-textbooks and multimedia materials and make learning more interesting and accessible.
4. Collaboration and knowledge sharing: IT makes it easier for children and teachers to work together. Electronic platforms for sharing materials, forums and online communication tools facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience.
5. Adaptive learning: information technologies can be tailored to the individual needs of children. Adaptive programs explore and analyze the level of knowledge of each child, offering personalized material and exercises.
6. Assessment and Feedback: electronic assessment and feedback systems allow children to quickly evaluate children' work and provide feedback to them. This helps improve the learning process.
7. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies can provide visual and interactive experiences that enhance understanding of complex concepts in a variety of subjects.
8. Effective management of educational processes: IT helps in managing curriculum, schedule, administrative tasks and internal processes of educational institutions.
9. Development of digital skills: the introduction of IT into the educational process contributes to the development of digital skills, which are becoming increasingly important in modern society and the labor market.
10. Global Education: The Internet allows children to connect and collaborate with people around the world, enabling the global exchange of knowledge and cultures.

Due to the numerous advantages of information technologies, they can be used at all stages of education from early learning of foreign languages to professional activity.

Learning through information technologies is a current trend in modern education, since it corresponds to the didactic goals of the lesson and develops the child’s cognitive activity and creative abilities, including helping to stimulate speech and mental activity, which is very important for teaching foreign languages at an early age of the child [1, p. 37].

The issue of early learning with the help of information technologies was studied by such scientists as O. B. Bindas, S. A. Pavlova, S. V. Panyukova, E. Khvilon, etc.

According to O. B. Bindas information technologies can be used not only in the classroom, but also at home to repeat the material covered, since many information technologies can be customized to the individual needs of the child, offering a personalized approach [2, p. 39].

Corresponding to E. Khvilon, learning programs and apps take into account of children’s needs and offer interactive and engaging activities that make learning more interesting. The teacher does not spend a lot of time handing out colored material to attract the attention of preschoolers, since interactive and colorful tasks have already been implemented in language learning applications [3, p. 65].

According to S. V. Panyukova, the use of information technologies can contribute to the development of various skills in children, such as motor skills, coordination, attention and creativity, which are necessary for learning new material [5, p. 14].

In our opinion, the use of information technologies reduce preparation time for lessons, allows children to study English independently at home, develops cognitive activity through interactive activities, accelerates the process of developing communication skills through interaction with an artificially created authentic environment through information technologies and also individualizes mass learning process. It is worth noting that learning a foreign language through information technologies allow children to immerse themselves in the culture of the language: get acquainted with traditions, expand vocabulary, practice pronunciation, develop communication skills, overcome the language barrier, etc.

During early teaching foreign languages with the help of information technologies, it is necessary to carefully select the type of technologies in accordance with the psychological, physiological, age and individual characteristics of preschoolers.

— Psychological Characteristics: preschoolers exhibit a high degree of imagination and creativity. IT should encourage creative expression and imaginative play, fostering a positive learning environment;

— Physiological Characteristics: preschoolers are refining both fine and gross motor skills. IT should consider interfaces that accommodate their developing hand-eye coordination, supporting ease of interaction;

— Age Characteristics: preschoolers typically have shorter attention spans. IT should be designed in short, interactive segments to maintain engagement and cater to their limited attention spans;

— Individual Characteristics: preschoolers have diverse learning styles. IT should incorporate a variety of interactive elements, catering to different learning preferences and adapting to individual differences.

In education, there are many types of information technologies that are used to facilitate the learning process, improve learning efficiency and create a more interactive and accessible environment for children. Below are some of the main types of information technologies used in education that were figure out by us:

1. Electronic textbooks: digital versions of educational materials that may include texts, interactive graphics, videos and audio files. This makes learning more visual and dynamic;
2. Online platforms: teaching and learning management platforms where teachers can upload materials, create assignments, blog and communicate with children;
3. Distance learning: a learning process that is carried out remotely using Internet technologies. Includes webinars, online courses and virtual classes;
4. Interactive Whiteboards: special touch screen boards allow teachers and children to interact with content using a variety of multimedia elements;
5. Multimedia Presentations: use of slide shows, video and audio to present educational material in a more visual and attractive way;
6. Electronic assessment systems: electronic platforms for creating, assessing and tracking assignments and tests;
7. Virtual and augmented reality: the use of technologies are able to create virtual or augmented learning environments, such as virtual laboratories;
8. Massive open online learning technologies (MOOC): online courses that are accessible to a wide audience and provide the opportunity for large-scale learning.

Thus, we can say that the use of information technologies in early learning of foreign languages can significantly enrich the educational process and make it more interesting, effective and accessible.

References:

2. Abramova G. S. Developmental psychology: textbook for university children of “Preschool. pedagogy and psychology” specialty. — Moscow: Alma Mater Project, 2006. — 698 p.

3. Khvilon E. Information and communication technologies in education: curricula for secondary schools and teacher training programs. — Moscow: Publishing House of the Institute of New Technologies, 2005. — 165 p.

4. Pavlova S. A. Information and technical means of teaching in elementary school // Elementary school. — 2001. — No. 4. — P. 110–112.

5. Panyukova S. V. Information and communication technologies in student-centered learning. — Moscow: Pedagogy-Press, 2010. — 203 p.