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Dr. István Thékes, college professor, delivered a lecture on November 16 at the KRÉTA IFM Module professional event, where he presented the new opportunities of digital language learning and the role of innovative educational solutions in public and vocational education. The purpose of the event was to demonstrate how modern technologies – including artificial intelligence and mobile learning platforms – can enhance the effectiveness of language learning and strengthen student motivation.

In his presentation entitled “Language Learning in Your Pocket – The Impact of the IFM Module and a Comparative Overview with Other Applications for Parents,” Dr. Thékes outlined the pedagogical principles and practical applicability of the KRÉTA IFM Module. He emphasized that the goal of the module is to provide students with a modern, digital learning environment that complements traditional classroom frameworks and supports the development of language competences. The KRÉTA IFM is an online and mobile learning system designed especially for learners aged 7 to 19, offering personalized and adaptive learning pathways.

Dr. Thékes pointed out that the greatest advantages of digital language education are its adaptability, the flexibility of learning paths, and the provision of continuous feedback. The KRÉTA IFM Module is built upon modern pedagogical principles such as meaning-centered learning, scaffolding, and dual coding (the combined use of visual and auditory learning channels). As a result, students acquire foreign languages not only more efficiently but also with deeper understanding. Dr. Thékes highlighted that digital learning platforms are most effective when they are tailored to learners’ developmental and cognitive characteristics and when they offer a playful, engaging learning environment without sacrificing academic depth.

During his lecture, Dr. Thékes compared the KRÉTA IFM Module with other internationally recognized language learning applications – such as Duolingo and Busuu – and pointed out that while these mostly focus on individual learning, the KRÉTA IFM operates as an integrated system that involves teachers, students, and parents alike in the learning process. The uniqueness of this Hungarian-developed module lies in its ability to continuously track student progress, provide instant feedback on errors, and recommend new learning paths based on performance data.

The lecture also covered the fact that the KRÉTA IFM Module is available in five languages – English, German, French, Spanish, and Hungarian as a foreign language – across the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels A1 to C1. The system offers video-based lessons, pronunciation and vocabulary exercises, and interactive communication modules that help learners develop authentic language use. The platform is accessible from mobile devices as well, enabling students to learn anytime and anywhere – quite literally carrying their learning tools in their pockets.

Dr. Thékes emphasized that the digital language learning environment does not replace the traditional teacher’s role but rather redefines it. The teacher’s guiding and supportive presence remains essential: teachers help students develop self-regulation, sustain motivation, and build effective learning strategies. For parents, the module provides a transparent interface through which they can monitor their child’s progress. This transparency and collaboration open new dimensions in learning and contribute to strengthening the digital culture of public education.

The lecture attracted considerable interest, as the KRÉTA IFM Module is applicable not only in school-based education but also in adult learning. For Gál Ferenc University, it is particularly important that its faculty members actively participate in the development and promotion of digital pedagogy, as the university is committed to modern, practice-oriented education. Dr. István Thékes’s professional work and presentation exemplify the innovative mindset that characterizes the academic community of GFE: technological advancement is not an end in itself but a means to enhance the quality of learning.

At the end of the event, several participants noted that the introduction of the KRÉTA IFM Module could mark a significant step forward in language education, enabling learners to progress at their own pace, stay motivated, and benefit from digitally supported instruction. For teachers working in public and vocational education, the system provides new opportunities for differentiated instruction and the personalization of learning paths.

Dr. István Thékes’s lecture was therefore not merely a presentation of an innovative learning tool but also clear evidence that the toolkit of digital pedagogy can create real value in language education. Gál Ferenc University is proud that among its educators are professionals who contribute to the advancement of Hungarian education by combining scientific foundations with practical experience, shaping the future of digital learning.