Edutainment as a Modern Japanese Language Teaching Technology (Using Songs and Web Quest)

Abstract

Introduction. Among the modern trends in the development of education, there is a growing demand for entertainment projects. In teaching foreign languages and cultures in institutions of higher education, active learning entertainment technologies also occupy a prominent place, because they have significant potential. Purpose. To demonstrate the linguodidactic and socio-cultural potential of using songs and web quests as edutainment technology tools in teaching the Japanese language and culture to university students. Methods. Consideration and practical application of some modern approaches to the use of educational technologies through the example of songs and web quests in order to analyze the features and benefits of their use. Results. The possibilities of using songs in the educational process in the formation of language, speech and socio-cultural competencies were analyzed and demonstrated. There were provided examples of exercises for working with song material and web quests at the beginner and advanced stages of learning the Japanese language and culture. It can be concluded that the use of edutainment technology tools in learning foreign languages and cultures has a positive impact on student’s motivation, promotes the activation and practical application of knowledge, skills and abilities acquired in the learning process and significantly diversifies it. Conclusion. Songs and web quests as tools of educational technologies can perform educational, upbringing and developmental functions and have significant methodological potential as a modern teaching tool that deserves further study. At the same time, we cannot deny the fact that educational technology tools like songs and web quests are not an alternative to academic education.