The utilization of the Wordwall and Kahoot platforms in English classes

This article explores the incorporation of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in English language instruction, highlighting the significance of multimedia tools in improving the teaching and learning experience. It underscores the significance of student-centered methodologies, enabled by tools like Wordwall and Kahoot, which foster individualization, differentiation, and active participation in learning. Wordwall is a multifaceted platform designed for the creation of interactive and printable assignments, enhancing student motivation, cognitive engagement, and autonomy. Kahoot is described as a versatile instrument for creating quizzes, examinations, and educational games, enhancing classroom engagement while facilitating independent study and evaluation. The article highlights the revolutionary capacity of ICT in updating foreign language instruction, facilitating individualized learning, and enhancing knowledge retention. Nonetheless, it underscores that technology functions as an auxiliary instrument to augment conventional pedagogical approaches, rather than supplanting the educator's position.

Keywords : English language education, information and communication technologies (ICT), multimedia tools, Student-centered learning, individualization and differentiation, Wordwall, Kahoot, Interactive learning, motivation in education, autonomous learning

В этой статье рассматривается внедрение современных информационных и коммуникационных технологий (ИКТ) в преподавание английского языка, подчеркивая важность мультимедийных инструментов для улучшения процесса обучения. Он подчеркивает важность методик, ориентированных на студента, которые обеспечиваются такими инструментами, как Wordwall и Kahoot, способствующими индивидуализации, дифференциации и активному участию в обучении. Wordwall — это многофункциональная платформа, предназначенная для создания интерактивных и печатных заданий, повышающих мотивацию студентов, когнитивное вовлечение и автономию. Kahoot описывается как универсальный инструмент для создания викторин, экзаменов и образовательных игр, повышающий вовлеченность в классе и способствующий самостоятельному обучению и оценке. Статья подчеркивает революционную способность ИКТ в обновлении преподавания иностранных языков, содействии индивидуальному обучению и улучшении усвоения знаний. Тем не менее, подчеркивается, что технологии функционируют как вспомогательный инструмент для дополнения традиционных педагогических подходов, а не для замены роли преподавателя.

Ключевые слова: обучение английскому языку, информационно-коммуникационные технологии (ИКТ), мультимедийные инструменты, обучение, ориентированное на студента, индивидуализация и дифференциация, Wordwall, Kahoot, интерактивное обучение, мотивация в образовании, автономное обучение

English is an academic discipline that, according to its inherent characteristics, necessitates a more adaptable and comprehensive integration of many technical study methods. Consequently, it is unsurprising that the teaching of a foreign language has increasingly included the new opportunities presented by multimedia devices across numerous domains.

A student-centred approach to learning can be actualized through contemporary pedagogical tools, which facilitate individualization and differentiation of instruction, considering the children's skills and their learning levels. These technologies encompass cooperative learning, project-based methodologies, the integration of contemporary information technologies, and online resources.

The educational process is enhanced by the extensive array of multimedia tools offered by contemporary information and communication technology. Several websites have been created with the support of the British Council for Educators and English language learners. The BBC website provides helpful background material on a number of subjects. The resources may be utilized to develop elective English courses on the subjects: «Nature», «Planetary Flora and Fauna», «Prehistoric Times», «The Function of the Human Brain», «Organs of the Human Body», and «Space». Students may also have the ability to engage in English studies concurrently, which will undoubtedly allow them to evaluate their lifestyles, intelligence, memory, and attention.

Wordwall is a comprehensive educational tool designed to address a fundamental objective of the educational process: enhancing student motivation. The primary objective of utilizing Wordwall is to enhance the efficacy of learning.

— Enhancing organizational methods and strategies in the educational process;

— Augmenting student desire for learning;

— Promoting student autonomy in lesson preparation;

— Elevating the quality of education.

This resource facilitates the differentiation and individualization of learning by enabling the design of interactive or printed assignments that consider each child's abilities. With a single click, as well! Wordwall is a multifunctional tool for creating both interactive and printed texts. The bulk of the templates are available in both interactive and printable formats. The Russian version of the program will be embraced by several educators. Any device having Internet access, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, or interactive whiteboard, can be utilized to engage in interactive games.

The WordWall application is user-friendly, facilitates the creation of exercises suitable for both individual computer usage and interactive whiteboards, does not necessitate specialist knowledge or skills from the teacher, and allows for the development of interactive activities utilizing images and assessments. The integrated picture finder automatically locates and recommends photos. The online editor allows for the collection of data on student performance and the execution of activities remotely. Printable versions might be employed for self-study projects. The WoolWall service offers a tool for creating and utilizing offline activities, which constitutes one of its advantages. The software can be installed and exercises on electronic media can be conducted on any device without Internet connectivity. The application provides an intuitive user interface accessible in multiple languages. One can find a suitable template for any segment of the lecture.

The subsequent game templates are the most commonly utilized for enhancing vocabulary skills: «Matching», «Decipher», «Labeled Chart», «Random Cards», «Random Wheel», «Anagram», «Pairing», «Gallows», and «Crossword». Employing templates that facilitate students' active engagement in either frontal or group activities is optimal for educators when designing an online course. Mapping or the random wheel, for example. The Wordwall service enables educators to utilize their pre-existing information and swiftly transform it into a format suitable for printing and disseminating as homework. This is highly pragmatic since it conserves a significant amount of time for the educator. The effective consolidation of the subject is enhanced by the utilization of the educational technology Wordwall in the classroom, leading to improved comprehension and assimilation of knowledge. Additionally, it facilitates the operational management of student comprehension, hence enhancing training efficacy.

Kahoot is a renowned platform for quiz design, test development, and educational gaming. Although the help at form provides an online version, I feel that utilizing a mobile application is more practical; so, this essay will concentrate on it. The quiz authoring option constitutes the fundamental functionality of Kahoot! It has recently acquired several additional notable characteristics, which will be discussed in this article. I will elucidate the optimal utilization of Kahoot in the classroom, its application in motivating students to engage in independent study, and strategies to invigorate monotonous examinations. Images and videos can be incorporated into activities created in Kahoot. Implementing a time constraint for each question regulates the tempo of tests and quizzes. The instructor has the discretion to assign points for both correct and prompt answers to the questions. The scoreboard is displayed on the teacher's computer monitor. Students merely need to access the service and input the PIN number provided by the teacher from their computer to undertake the test. The student finds it expedient to choose the correct answer on his device. Geometric shapes are employed to represent alternatives. This service may serve as an effective instrument for acquiring distinctive student feedback. Kahoot's capacity to duplicate and modify assessments is a significant feature that enables educators to conserve considerable time. Thus, utilizing this service provides a rapid and effortless method for the educator to enhance engagement, enthusiasm, and diversity in the classroom, necessitating minimal preparation. Control is a fundamental aspect of the educational process; therefore, it was imperative to develop effective methods for its implementation in remote learning. Testing has numerous advantages as a form of regulation. It is recommended that assessments be conducted via Kahoot Platform.

Students engage with the platform, observing a practical application of technology and interactive elements that enhance material retention in an appealing and stimulating manner, so introducing innovation to the educational experience. Students exhibit heightened motivation and enthusiasm in acquiring more languages. Kahoot is an effective tool for completing lessons and teaching foreign languages.

Information and communication technologies play a critical role in the educational process throughout transitions in educational content, such as the shift from a competency-based strategy to a knowledge-centric approach. The significant potential of computers as educational tools is seen through the application of information and communication technologies. Computer-based training programs offer substantial advantages compared to traditional teaching methods. They enable consideration of the primary representative system, the execution of a personalized approach, and the enhancement of students' autonomous work. They facilitate the comprehension of linguistic phenomena, develop linguistic competencies, generate communicative contexts, automate language and speech processes, and teach many forms of speech activity while integrating them in varied combinations. Modernization imposes heightened expectations regarding proficiency in foreign languages for personal and professional objectives. The volume of information is escalating, yet conventional methods for transmission, storage, and analysis often prove inadequate. The significant potential of computers as educational tools is seen through the utilization of information technology. It is essential to recognize that multimedia technologies, as simply instructional instruments, lack significant pedagogical influence in the absence of an educator. In the educational process, a computer serves as a tool that enhances and expands the capabilities of a teacher's instructional activities, rather than functioning as a mechanical instructor, substitute, or equivalent.

References:

1. Wordwall. (n.d.). Interactive and printable educational activities. Retrieved from https://wordwall.net
2. Kahoot! (n.d.). Game-based learning platform. Retrieved from https://kahoot.com
3. British Council. (n.d.). Resources for English language learners and educators. Retrieved from https://www.britishcouncil.org
4. BBC Learning English. (n.d.). English language learning resources. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish