The article is devoted to the exploration of the perspectives in new methods and tools aiming at improving teaching / learning process and increasing the quality of language acquisition on the whole. The aim of the present research is to analyze existing approaches to blended learning specifying challenges and concerns preventing from their successful application into educational process. The developed methodology, including such methods as observation, case-study, synthesis and analysis, reveals several gaps in blended learning, i.e., 1) access to technology, 2) teacher preparedness, 3) curriculum design, 4) student engagement, which usually negatively affect the learning process. Basing on the European experience, the authors developed solutions to leverage negative effects and make more comfortable language learning environment utilizing digital opportunities. In particular, the requirement for new and enhanced learning management system (LMS) technologies will continue to exist in the foreseeable future. While many LMS tools and services are available as open- source solutions, Blackboard and Canvas are two of the most popular fee-based options. Open educational resources (OER) are a movement that advocates for the democratization of educational materials by providing free access to them. Digital technologies also offer many opportunities to improve and extend assessment procedures in education, allowing educators to evaluate learners on the level of knowledge and skills they have acquired, as well as the state of their dispositions and attitudes, over the course of a learning period. Existing assessment tools or formats that use technology, such as e-portfolios (documentation of individually created multi-modal artifacts), crowd- sourcing (such as electronic voting systems), online badges (an alternative accreditation system in online and virtual environments), and social media communication (such as blogs and wikis) are digital tools for effective assessment.

language acquisition, digital technologies, MOOC, learning management system, blended learning, assessment, ESL, Open educational resources, Flipped Classroom, e-portfolios.

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