Studia Filologiczne UJK

Summary

The dynamic development and popularity of modern information and communication technologies mean that the human mind adapts easily and gradually to the requirements of the digital environment. The student of today, being connected to the web for many hours a day, has formed habits and cognitive skills different from those required in the environment of traditional reading of paper texts and conceptual exercises on language. The digital environment, which has become a real locus amoenus for the student, makes him fulfil his cognitive, emotional and social needs in it. The daily presence of the digital world (multiplied in the age of the pandemic and distance learning) makes this locus amoenus even more imposing. As a result, the processing of information is fast, superficial, and the student is satisfied with the first logical link he finds.
The article underlines the value of mental habits formed in the digital environment, such as global perception, speed and rationality of actions, but at the same time points out that they are not sufficient in foreign language didactics (but also in education in general) and do not lead to high linguistic competence and deep metalinguistic consciousness. In order to « overcome » mental digital habits and to promote endangered reflexivity two different types of language tests are proposed. These are grammatical judgment test and inference test both based on limited time for answer, and their counterparts that do not limit time. This combination of tests allows the teacher to start with spontaneous behaviour and move on to behaviour that requires reflection and, with it, the justification of the answer given.