DEVELOPING ENGLISH SPEAKING SKILLS: THE ROLE OF ONLINE PLATFORMS AND WEB 2.0 TOOLS

Abstract

Summary. The rapid development of information and communication technologies (ICT) has changed the ways in teaching and learning foreign languages. Online educational platforms, Web 2.0 tools, social networking services, multimedia resources, and artificial intelligence (AI) provide learners with additional opportunities to practice English beyond the traditional classroom.

This article examines the methodological role of the above technologies in developing English speaking skills, with particular attention to fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, confidence, learner autonomy, and communicative competence.

The analysis shows that digital technologies can increase the quantity and variety of speaking practice, provide authentic linguistic input, facilitate interaction and feedback, and support more independent learning. Web 2.0 tools are especially useful because they encourage learners to create content, collaborate, and communicate with others. At the same time, digital technologies do not automatically lead to successful language learning. Their effectiveness depends on appropriate task design, teacher guidance, learner motivation, digital literacy, accessibility, and opportunities for meaningful human interaction. Therefore, technology should be used as a complement to communicative language teaching rather than as a replacement for classroom instruction or the teacher.