DIGITAL LITERACY AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Аннотация

The increasing influence of digital technologies on education has transformed the ways in which foreign languages are taught and learned. In contemporary educational environments, language proficiency alone is insufficient for successful participation in academic, professional, and intercultural communication. Learners must also be able to search for information, evaluate digital content, communicate appropriately in online environments, create digital materials, and use technological tools responsibly. These abilities constitute digital literacy, which has become an essential component of modern foreign language education. This article examines the concept of digital literacy and its significance for developing students’ communicative competence, critical thinking, learner autonomy, and intercultural awareness. Particular attention is given to the integration of digital resources into language instruction, the responsible application of artificial intelligence, and the challenges faced by teachers and educational institutions. The article argues that digital literacy should be systematically integrated into foreign language curricula through purposeful learning activities, teacher professional development, and appropriate assessment practices. Developing these competencies can contribute to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable language education in the digital age.