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 authenticity enhancement through learning technologies that are integrated into Public Relations course in the framework of Content and Language Integrated Learning. Based on the questionnaire conducted among lecturers of the university, the authors analyzed teachers' perception of authenticity and the ways of authenticity introduction in classes through educational materials, tasks and assessment. The findings of the empirical study, present evidence that technologies provide teachers with an opportunity to bridge the gap between the classroom 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 technologies transforms the students' perception of studying from theoretical into a practical and engaging experience.