LINGUISTIC AND METHODICAL POTENTIAL OF COURSERA ONLINE PLATFORM FOR STUDENTS’ PROFESSIONAL FOREIGN LANGUAGE COMPETENCE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The paper explores the potential of the Coursera MOOC platform for developing professional foreign language competencies in university economics students. As globalization increases the demand for multilingual graduates, traditional classroom instruction often falls short in providing the applied linguistics skills needed for modern careers. Coursera offers a scalable online alternative for building reading, writing, listening, and basic speaking abilities through massive community support, immersion in native speaker content, and flexible self-paced participation. However, overdependence on automated assessment and limitations in conversational practice remain constraints. Through strategic integration guided by learners’ needs, Coursera can be a valuable supplement for fostering career-ready language proficiency. The paper examines specific features and implementation strategies for unlocking Coursera’s advantages while navigating its restrictions. Further research is needed, but the platform holds promise for strengthening the real-world language capacities of the next generation of economists.