Modern technologies surround people every day, including seniors. The aim of this pilot study was to create a maximally user-friendly mobile application in order to meet older users' individual needs. The research sample consisted of 13 older individuals at the age of 55+ years with a mean age of 67 years, living in the Czech Republic. The key assessment tools of this pilot study were the developed application and usability testing. The findings confirmed that the newly developed mobile application for teaching English met the needs of cognitively healthy seniors, and was acceptable and feasible. In addition, it indicated what technical (e.g., visual interface or easy navigation) and pedagogical (e.g., an instructional manual or adjusting to seniors' learning pace or clear instructions) aspects should be strictly followed when designing such an educational smartphone application. In addition, the authors of this pilot study provide several implications for pedagogical practice. Further research should include more empirical studies aimed at the exploration of educational mobile applications for older generation groups with respect to meeting their individual needs in order to enhance their overall well-being. However, such studies are, nowadays, very rare.

• Klíčová slova
• English, learning, older people, smartphone application, usability testing,
• MeSH
• chytrý telefon * MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mobilní aplikace * MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• zdravotní stav MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

At present, there is a rapid increase in the number of older population. These demographic changes obviously bring about a number of economic and social issues, which are, for instance, reflected in a rising number of aging diseases, such as dementia, characterized by cognitive impairment. Since there is no effective pharmacological treatment, country's governments are looking for policies and strategies, which would delay the aging process, and thus prolong an active life of aging population. One of these policies appears to be the use of technologies, respectively mobile applications, by elderly people. The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of mobile applications in learning foreign languages, such as English, by elderly people, as well as their benefits. Overall, mobile apps for learning a foreign language appear to be one of the tools which can promote well-being of older people. The results reveal there are many benefits of learning a foreign language by seniors. These include, for example, improvement of their cognitive performance, positive impact on their psyche, reduction of anxiety, gaining self-confidence, development of new social ties and feeling of self-realization, as well as learning of a new foreign language. However, research in this area is very scare, which is due to the lack of such apps for the elderly and consequently, due to the lack of the experimental studies in this field.

• Klíčová slova
• EFL, benefits, mobile applications, older people, smartphones,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The paper deals with implementation of a smart learning environment, namely Blackboard, into the course of business communication. The new approach was implemented into the course and the research was conducted into the subjective satisfaction of the users of the environment. The first research was conducted in 2018 into the users´ satisfaction with the course which was taught using traditional methods, and the second research was conducted in 2019 into the users´ satisfaction with the new online course. The idea of the creator of the online course was to keep the contents and the scope of the subject as much similar as possible to create two groups of users, i.e. the first, using the traditional approaches, and the second with the modern technology-enabled class. With this intention, the Blackboard class was created, and the users were taught by using blended learning methodology. The research focused merely on personal satisfaction with the course within the intention of positive psychology, i.e. focusing on potential issues regarding personal satisfaction. It did not focus on the differences in the performance of the students as there is a lot of research into this aspect. However, it focused on the individual satisfaction and personal feelings of the users while using blended learning platforms in the context of ubiquitous computing. The findings are that the users expressed their satisfaction regarding easily accessible materials and varied learning environment; however, the dissatisfaction was created by increased screen time and reduces social contacts. The findings are very important for educators who use various mobile platforms and eLearning environments as they should be aware of the reservations of the users of these tools.

• Klíčová slova
• ICT enhanced learning, applied linguistics, blended learning, business communication, eLearning, learning psychology, modern education, positive psychology, technology in education,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

This paper attempts to bring new ideas regarding the use of artificial intelligence in language learning apps. Artificial intelligence has seen a dramatic increase and its utilization in various aspects of data science, information science and various platforms is unprecedented. Its ubiquitousness is evident in smart cities, in online marketing, and data mining, however, its utilization in language learning apps is still somehow neglected. There are a few questions, such as why it is so, etc., this paper attempts to address. The research focuses on several most used language learning apps and the presence of artificial intelligence in them. The findings of the paper are as follows: basically none of the analysed apps uses any kind of machine learning, artificial intelligence or deep learning, and they are mostly based on predefined algorithms that do not utilize the full potential of the computational power we have currently available. The paper also suggests possible solutions and brings practical advice on how to implement artificial intelligence in these apps. The paper is important for any education innovation at the beginning of the 21 century. Without his innovative approach, education will lack sustainability and competitiveness, which will present a serious threat to the whole educational system.

• Klíčová slova
• applied linguistics, artificial intelligence, educational sustainability, language education, mobile apps,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH