SOCIAL NETWORKING AS AN E-LEARNING PLATFORM FOR GIFTED STUDENTS IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSESPaper
The extensive development of information and communication technologies is essential to modern approaches to education and has greatly facilitated the acquisition and exchange of information and knowledge. Information technology enabled the continuous modernization of access to active teaching in higher education, as well as the rapid introduction, adaptation, and application of distance learning systems in an era of rapid growth in the volume of global knowledge. A new generation of gifted students who consume, sleep, and breathe technology remains a challenge and a constant source of inspiration for the enhancement of teaching procedures. This paper presents the findings of a study on students' expectations regarding English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and social media. In the summer semester of the 2022/2023 academic year, 25 Master's students in Graphic Engineering and Design tested the viability of using the social network as a platform for e-learning and communicating additional material in ESP. The paper discusses Facebook's educational capabilities as well as the perceived benefits and drawbacks of using this social network in the education of prospective graphic design engineers. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have demonstrated enormous potential for use in the classroom. A combined approach to methodology was utilised. Through survey research, we learned specifics about students' expectations regarding ESP and social media; then, all students participated in the experimental portion of the study, which examined the use of Facebook as an e-learning platform.