DEVELOPMENT OF IT DESIGNERS’ DIGITAL COMPETENCE THROUGH ESP LEARNING

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of developing digital competence among students enrolled in the “IT Design” educational and professional program. The importance of integrating digital skills and English language knowledge for the professional training of future specialists is analyzed. The significance of digital competence as a key component of professional competence required for the successful professional activity of future IT designers is emphasized.

The purpose of the article was to investigate the features of developing IT designers’ digital competence in professional training at ESP classes. This involved the following tasks: substantiating the requirements for developing IT-designers’ digital competence, clarifying the content and components of the digital competence of IT designers based on the analysis of available documents and developing tasks aimed at enhancing the digital competence of these specialists. The study used theoretical, general scientific, empirical methods and involved the undergraduates majoring in “IT Design” educational and professional program at the National Aviation University.

Results. Based on the analysis of scientific and methodological literature as well as normative documents (e.g. Educational and professional program “IT Design” (2021), DigComp 2.2: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (2022), Framework of Digital Competence for Citizens of Ukraine (2023)), the concept of “IT designers’ digital competence” was clarified, and a list of its components was identified. The study examined the process of developing digital competence when learning ESP, defined digital skills developed during ESP classes, and provided examples of tasks designed to enhance these skills.

In conclusion, it is important to highlight the importance of enhancing the digital skills of future IT designers while learning ESP in professional training, since acquiring digital skills will ensure the effectiveness of the professional activities of these specialists in the context of rapid technological development. Specially designed tasks, including interface analysis, mini-projects, and the creation of digital content (such as infographics, presentations, videos, etc.) enhance not only digital skills but also language proficiency and soft skills. Nonetheless, advancing IT designers’ digital competence is a multifaceted process that requires a systematic approach and modern teaching methods.