Incorporating ICT for Authentic Materials Application in English for Specific Purposes Classroom at Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

We are living in a world of advanced technology and most learners are exposed to ICT-based classrooms, where technology integration in the learning process serves as one of the hottest buzzwords in education all around the world. Nowadays, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19, technology integration has become not only a recommended, but also an inevitable way of running any academic process, including teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). The presented article is an attempt to once more emphasise the importance of integrating technologies in teaching ESP at the level of tertiary education in Georgia for effective usage of authentic materials – TED talks, live stream, etc. – in the classroom, particularly while teaching ESP, and to prove its significance on the basis of the survey whose respondents were ESP specialists. A conclusion has been made that application of ICT in teaching/learning ESP is the most contemporary approach, which increases student motivation, engagement, autonomy, and language skills level. This happens due to the authentic nature of materials. The article recommends to increase the ICT use in ESP classes, to make it more various by materials and methods of teaching.

Keywords

• information and communications technology (ict)
• english for specific purposes (esp)
• authentic materials
• learner autonomy
• engagement
• language skills