INDEPENDENT FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN DIGITAL ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technologies has substantially transformed the conditions under which foreign and second-language learning takes place. Digital environments enable learners to study languages independently of formal classroom instruction. At the same time, the expansion of technological access does not automatically result in effective autonomous learning. The central problem is the discrepancy between the availability of digital resources and learners’ capacity to select, organize, evaluate, and pedagogically exploit them. This article reviews recent research on independent language learning in digital environments, focusing particularly on self-regulated learning, digital resources, and generative artificial intelligence. The analysis indicates that digital technologies can increase accessibility, flexibility, learner choice, engagement, opportunities for practice, and personalization.