The article deals with the conception of the new generation foreign language textbook reflecting contemporary challenges in the sphere of higher education. These are integration processes involving globalization and localization, interdisciplinary tendencies, interactive collaborative learning methods, digital technologies, visualization practices. Modern textbook is shown to have become a pedagogical platform that ensures the compatibility of methodological conditions for interconnected learning of receptive and productive types of speech activity: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Integrative approach in the textbook composition is illustrated by inclusion of Russian-English translation exercises and integrated assignments involving reading, watching a video and writing. Interdisciplinary principle is exemplified by the technical English manual combining scientific, technical, and intercultural components variation. Interactive learning methods are shown to trigger teamwork performed in the classroom or in independent mode with the use of digital technologies. It is indicated that numerous computer-assisted language learning tasks are becoming more widely used in modern textbooks, especially those aimed at the content visualization. Some of the visualizing elements, like word clouds, mental maps and info posters, are considered in detail accentuating their didactic values.
The article considers industrial applications of digital twins and their contribution to decision-making and prevention of failures in manufacturing. Virtual laboratories are described as an example of using digital twins not only in industry but also for educational purposes. The article is also focused on the value of physical and virtual investigations through the prism of content and language integrated learning approach (CLIL) and it offers recommendations for combining the two to strengthen science inquiry learning and job-relevant learning. Students conduct online investigations resulting in interdisciplinary team interaction and knowledge integration. Adopting the CLIL approach changes engineering students’ attitudes to learning a foreign language, drums up their academic interest, and strengthens their motivation. In addition, the article describes how neural networks are applied for the simulation of physical processes in a virtual laboratory. The advantages of using virtual laboratories for professional-oriented training include linking observable and unobservable phenomena, pointing out essential information, and providing online, adaptive guidance. To evaluate the efficiency of the virtual laboratory environment, we conducted an experiment to assess the effectiveness of an integrated learning course with the elements of a virtual laboratory. The sample was 48 students (23 of them were enrolled on the course based on integrated learning with elements of virtual environment; 25 students studied professional discipline and professional English separately). To collect the data two online testing on English were conducted. The professional discipline was evaluated once at the end of the semester. In addition, we conducted an online survey on motivation for students of both groups to reveal the influence of educational process organization on this indicator. The results of the experiment allowed us to ascertain that the CLIL approach in the virtual laboratory environment resulted in better outcomes and helped the students adopt a more positive attitude to learning English.
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