SOCIAL NETWORKING IN THE ENGLISH CLASSROOM

Abstract

The article deals with the issues, based on the idea that social
networking may have educational potential in the English
Classroom. The realities of the modern world of Internet and
gadgets demonstrate that young people prefer virtual life to real
communication, many students tend to spend time on social
networking than doing exercises. Thus, time spent on using a
smartphone not for entertainment but for studying foreign
languages allows to turn the process of learning into an exciting
activity. The article is aimed at analyzing the possibilities of using
social networks in the process of learning foreign languages. The
advantages of social networks as a means of learning English are
outlined. Didactic peculiarities of current popular social networks,
such as Lang-8, Mylanguageexchange, Interpals, Youtube,
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok are paid attention to. It is proved that
social networks serve as platforms to improve the students’
foreign language communication skills – reading, listening,
speaking and writing as well as spelling, grammar and
pronunciation. Besides, students are sure to develop their
creativity, critical thinking, cooperation and other soft skills.