MOBILE APPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH VOCABULARY AT SECONDARY SCHOOL (ON THE EXAMPLE OF QUIZLET AND DUOLNGO)

Abstract. In the modern era of digital education, mobile applications play a crucial role in learning, especially in foreign language acquisition. This article examines mobile applications for learning English vocabulary at secondary school, using Quizlet and Duolingo as examples. These applications enhance student motivation through interactive exercises, gamification, and personalized learning. The analysis considers factors such as accessibility, teaching methodology, and vocabulary retention effectiveness. The authors conclude that mobile applications significantly improve vocabulary memorization and active usage in an educational setting.

Keywords: mobile applications, English language learning, Quizlet, Duolingo, digital education, gamification, vocabulary learning.

In the modern era of digital education, mobile applications play a crucial role in facilitating the learning process. This is particularly evident in the field of language learning, where technology has significantly transformed traditional methods. Mobile applications for teaching and learning English vocabulary at the secondary school level provide numerous benefits, making the learning process more engaging, interactive, and effective.

One of the primary benefits of mobile applications is their accessibility. Unlike traditional textbooks, mobile apps allow students to learn anytime and anywhere, making vocabulary acquisition more flexible. This is particularly beneficial for secondary school students, who often have busy schedules and may find it difficult to allocate dedicated study time [1].

Moreover, mobile applications provide personalized learning experiences. Many apps use artificial intelligence to adapt to a student’s progress, offering tailored exercises and challenges based on individual performance. This adaptive learning approach helps students focus on their weak areas and improve at their own pace.

So, we have conducted a detailed study of the most popular mobile applications for learning foreign languages (namely English)

Duolingo is a system of lessons on various topics: both lexical and grammatical. As we move forward, the program reminds us of the need to repeat the material covered earlier. The training program is divided into lessons arranged in order of complexity. Each lesson contains different types of exercises for translation, reading, writing and listening, designed to learn grammatical rules or new vocabulary in the context of live speech. At any stage, trainings are available to consolidate the acquired knowledge .

The disadvantage of this application is the following: there are no grammatical rules (i.e. it is assumed either that you already know this rule, or that you study it with the help of other resources).

However, in practice, we have come to the conclusion that this application is suitable for high school students. There is no entry level in the sections: reading and listening. Students of grades 5-6 will not be able to complete the proposed tasks on their own.

Words is an application for learning vocabulary. All the words in the application are divided into thematic lessons, which are presented in the form of separate cards. Each lesson is designed for one day and contains up to 25 words. In total, there are more than 8,000 words in Words, divided into 330 lessons. The process of memorizing a new vocabulary consists of going through unique training sessions, during which you are invited to collect a word from letters, find its translation, choose the right picture, solve a small puzzle, and so on .

The big advantage of this application is that all exercises are performed on time, and at the end of the workout, an assessment is given [3].

Of the minuses – this application is not aimed at learning grammar and communicating with native speakers. It is suitable for those who already have a database and want to replenish their vocabulary.

So, based on the analysis, we believe that the most effective applications are Busuu, Lingualeo, Duolingo.  As we can see, there are different kinds of applications.  However, most of them are designed for the development of only one type of speech activity: grammar or vocabulary. And the above-mentioned mobile applications form all four aspects of the language.

Mobile applications have revolutionized the way English vocabulary is taught and learned at the secondary school level. Their accessibility, interactivity, and personalized learning capabilities make them invaluable tools in modern education. However, it is essential to address challenges such as distractions and content reliability to maximize their effectiveness. By integrating mobile applications into language learning strategies, educators can enhance students' vocabulary acquisition and overall proficiency in English.