Digital competence development while video podcast creation in ESP

Introduction. In the context of digitalization, the development of students' digital literacy is a paramount objective. However, existing educational paradigms do not always effectively integrate the widespread development of both foreign language and digital competencies in students. There is a growing need for innovative methodologies that enable students to acquire both linguistic and digital skills essential for competitive professional activities. This research aims at the scientific-theoretical and experimental validation of tools for developing students' digital competencies through the video podcast creation in ESP. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted during the 2023-2024 academic year with 3rd-year students from non-linguistic programs at Togliatti State University. The methods employed included: content analysis of the foundational documents “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” (CEFR) and “Digital Competence Framework for Citizens” (DigComp 2.2); modeling method; pedagogical experiment; and mathematical statistics using Pearson's χ² test. students' digital competencies (for level B1: χ²EMP = 9.386; p = 0.025 < 0.05). KEYWORDS Results. The research resulted in the development of a “Matrix of ESP communication modes and digital competence in video podcast creation”, which systematizes the interrelation between foreign language aspects (Reception, Mediation, Production, Interaction) and digital competencies skills (Information and data literacy, Communication and collaboration, Digital content-creation, Problem-solving, Safety). A learning environment for video podcast creation was modeled, comprising a “Step-by-Step To-Do List in Video Podcast Creation” and a “Check-List of Digital Competence Development in Video Podcast Creation”. The results of the experimental training demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed tools and showed a significant increase in the level of Conclusion. The findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of the developed tools for enhancing students' digital competence when they act as social agents in the creation of video podcasts. That allows to recommend the integration of this methodology into the educational process.