E. Kazanskaya, N. Tsoy
WECHAT-BASED CREATIVE LEARNING FOR DIVE CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Abstract. This article is devoted to the consideration of the creative effectiveness of WeChat-based learning in teaching Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). The specifics of this methodology, created on the basis of the theory of connectivism, aimed at studying the features of learning using mobile devices under the CFL exchange program with immersion and using the WeChat social communication application as a means of exchanging multimedia messages, are described. WeChat analysis of the results obtained during the experimental study revealed a number of difficulties that arise during working with the WeChat mobile application in the process of learning a foreign language: the reluctance of individual students to work with the application or in social networks; the lack of an autonomous learning environment; the influence of low internal motivation of students on their involvement in the learning process using WeChat. Based on the results of the analysis, proposals have been put forward to improve the environment for teaching a foreign language and conducting further research based on WeChat. Among the most important aspects of successful foreign language teaching using the WeChat service are: a clear statement of the purpose of the language exchange program; the design of the language course; the variety of educational material; continuity of bilingual interaction between language learners and native speakers; stimulation of students’ motivation using the methodology of problem-oriented learning, etc.
Keywords: connectivism, WeChat, Chinese as a foreign language, digital learning.