ICT-SUPPORTED STUDENTS’ INDEPENDENT WORK IN THE ESP CONTEXT: THE NEW REALITY IN TERTIARY EDUCATION

The article aims at conducting empirical research of university students’ readiness to handle independent work while studying the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) course, subject availability Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). In order accomplish objective article, a mixed methods was applied. According methodology, questionnaires were conducted during first semester academic year 2019/20 then in 2020/21 Kyiv National University Trade Economics. investigation covered period before outset pandemic when blended learning approach included instructor-led classroom training e-learning elements; time COVID-19 Ukraine webucation line with priorities process. participants study first-year second-year students non-linguistic specialities. scientific reflected that teaching ESP focused on enhancing foreign language particular field such as IT, law, trade, marketing, management or economics, equip oral written comprehension speaking skills they would need leverage partnerships international interlocutors business community. obtained results confirmed high value resources available online an discipline university-level curricula. analysis data showed almost equal percentages respondents faced challenges accompanied process online. Students noted all four proposed options characterised disadvantages completing assignments independently, namely communication vacuum, difficulties choosing supplemental instructional materials, well lack self-discipline control. outcome assist work. To meet demand, authors carried out Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) Analysis related use ICTs within organising framework pandemic. It has been concluded opportunities threats, strengths weaknesses, identified through SWOT analysis, characterise advantages, drawbacks peculiarities emerge providing guidance ESP, integrating them into coherent whole.