DIDACTIC POTENTIAL OF TELEGRAM CHANNELS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING IN NON-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMS
Authors:   Alfred Nobel University, Blynova Neliia , Bespalova Nataliia ,   Alfred Nobel University, Voloboieva Anna ,   Alfred Nobel University
Published: February 2025

The article is devoted to analysing the possibility of using Telegram cannels as didactic materials.
Modern technologies can make the language learning process effective and affordable. However, the prob-
lem of selecting the relevant didactic materials is still urgent. Telegram channels can become one of the ef-
ficient ways to learn foreign languages. They create the platform where users can exchange information,
share materials and learn in a convenient and relaxed way.
The purpose of the article is to determine the potential of Telegram channels for creating addition-
al educational materials in English for applicants of non-philological specialties. To do this, the study com-
pares the content of Telegram channels created by non-native English speakers (Ukrainians) who have stud-
ied English as a foreign language and therefore are aware of the difficulties that students may face. We
have considered the positive and negative aspects of such materials, based on practical activities, and give
advice for those who want to learn English or improve their knowledge with the help of Telegram channels.
The study was conducted based on a comprehensive approach employing the following methods: a
content analysis of scholarly literature to determine the current state of research on the use of Telegram
channels in foreign language learning in both domestic and international contexts; a comparative analysis
to identify trends and best practices in the application of Internet channels for educational purposes; a con-
tent analysis to assess the educational potential of Telegram channels; and the generalisation and system-
atisation of approaches to utilising Telegram channel content in the learning process, particularly for over-
coming language barriers, facilitating authentic communication, and enhancing the effective acquisition of
a foreign language.
The study investigates the didactic potential of 4 Telegram channels: FRIENDS Space, “English Lan-
guage”, “Henry, kissfig”, “Engluencer | English”.
The comparative and descriptive analysis of these Telegram channels and ways to apply them when
teaching English to students of non-philological specialties from levels A2 to C1 highlighted several posi-
tive points. It must be emphasized that whatever form of study a student chooses – full-time, part-time, dis-
tance, or individual, attention to a foreign language should be regular. Only immersion into even artificial,
language environment makes it possible to learn the material. Also, for learning using Telegram channels
to be truly effective, it is necessary to adhere to certain principles and use different methods.
Among the positive aspects inherent in thematic Telegram channels, practitioners highlight the fol-
lowing factors:
–
Accessibility. Telegram is available at any time and in any place, which allows you to gain new
knowledge and consolidate existing ones without being tied to a schedule.
–
Relevance of content. The information provided by the owners and hosts of channels is often up-
dated. Subscribers are offered new and diverse materials (news, articles, videos etc.), which contributes to
learning a foreign language.
–
Variety of formats. Unlike traditional textbooks, Telegram channels provide the most diverse con-
tent in terms of format. These can be text lessons and fragments of them, audio files, video materials, quiz-
zes, surveys, and more. Everything is aimed both at the versatile development of language skills and at
gaining competitive advantages over other resources of a similar direction.
–
Interactivity. There are channels that allow visitors to ask questions and receive professional an-
swers from teachers or other participants, which makes learning more interactive.
–
Community. Communicating with other channel subscribers, like-minded people who are also learn-
ing a foreign language, helps to overcome feelings of loneliness and receive support and feedback in gen-
eral. This contributes to socialization and the gradual disappearance of fear of communicating in English
or any other language.
–
Target audience. Given the existence of a huge number of channels, everyone can find a resource
for their level of language proficiency – from beginner to advanced.
–
Gradual immersion in the language environment is extremely important for those who study a for-
eign language outside of countries where English is the main language of communication. Regular con-
sumption of content in a foreign language helps to get used to the sound of the language and start think-
ing in it.
Conclusions. Learning a foreign language using Telegram channels is a convenient and effective way
to improve one’s knowledge. However, to achieve the best results, the participants need to engage system-
atically, use a variety of materials, and actively interact with other channel subscribers.