USING AI TOOLS DURING ENGLISH LESSONS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE

Abstract

The article considers the use of artificial intelligence as a powerful and effective tool in English lessons for the formation and improvement of students' foreign language communicative competence. Based on the analysis of recent research and publications, it has been determined that artificial intelligence is popular among modern methods of teaching a foreign language. Thus, its main features have been described. In addition, problems that prevent students from speaking a foreign language fluently have been highlighted. Normally, they are associated with the lack of authentic language environment and limited opportunities for students to practice spontaneous speech in the classroom, in particular because of emotional factors such as fear of making a mistake and being judged. Special attention has been paid to the analysis and description of AI powered, precisely «Gliglish», «ElsaSpeak», «SmallTalk2me», «Talkpal», та «Character.ai». Their functionality and capabilities for improving students' oral speech, correcting pronunciation, building realistic speech situations, and providing individual feedback have been described. Moreover, the possibility of combining them with other teaching methods, such as “Flipped classroom learning” and the communicative approach, along with role-playing, debates, and mini-dramas, has been indicated. Such combination helps to create a dynamic and motivating learning environment. The article provides practical examples of tasks, role-playing, and debates using AI, which allow students to practice speaking in a real or close-to-real context created with the help of AI. Based on the analysis of the functionality of the above-mentioned AI powered platforms, the feasibility of their integration into the educational process, which aims to improve students' foreign language communicative competence, has been suggested.