Issues of Educational Technologies and Authenticity Synergy in a Content and Language Integrated Learning Course at Technical University

Abstract

The issue of efficient technologies integration into educational environment has been a mainstream today. The present paper is focused on the issue of authen-ticity enhancement through learning technologies that are integrated into Public Relations course in the framework of Content and Language Integrated Learn-ing. Based on the questionnaire conducted among lecturers of the university, the authors analyzed teachers’ perception of authenticity and the ways of au-thenticity introduction in classes through educational materials, tasks and as-sessment. The findings of the empirical study, present evidence that technolo-gies provide teachers with an opportunity to bridge the gap between the class-room and a real world as well as add variety to learning authentic activities. Technologies also contribute to the implementation of four pillars of Content and Language Integrated Learning strategy: content, cognition, communication and socio cultural competence. The combination of authenticity and technolo-gies transforms the students’ perception of studying from theoretical into a practical and engaging experience.