INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INTO THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRITICAL THINKING IN PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The modern world is rapidly evolving under the influence of digital technologies, which are increasingly integrating into all aspects of life, including education. In this context, primary school teachers face the challenge of adapting the educational process to the demands of the information society. This article examines the implementation of digital technologies in primary school education as an effective means of developing students’ critical thinking. The study outlines the significance of the digital transformation of education, which enhances learning motivation, fosters analytical thinking, and cultivates key competencies necessary for successful functioning in contemporary society.The research analyzes academic studies on the impact of digital technologies on the learning activities of young students. It has been established that integrating digital tools, such as multimedia materials, interactive platforms, mobile applications, and virtual reality, positively influences knowledge acquisition, creative development, and the formation of independent learning skills. Particular attention is given to the issue of personalized learning through adaptive educational platforms and artificial intelligence technologies. The study describes key digital tools that can be used in the primary school educational process. In particular, it examines the potential of interactive platforms (Google Classroom, Moodle, Edmodo) for organizing distance and blended learning, as well as mobile applications (Lingokids, ClassDojo, Mathletics) that help students develop communication and cognitive skills. The article also highlights the advantages of integrating virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) into education, allowing students to immerse themselves in the learning process through interactive models, simulations, and visualizations of complex concepts.Methodological aspects of applying digital technologies in teaching are explored in the article. Various pedagogical techniques that contribute to the development of students’ critical thinking are described, including the creation of interactive quizzes and tests (Kahoot, Quizizz, Mentimeter), the use of gamification elements in education (Minecraft Education Edition, Roblox Education), and the application of platforms for visualizing and presenting educational materials (Canva, Prezi, Padlet).A special focus is placed on the role of artificial intelligence in the educational process. The potential of personalized learning through intelligent educational platforms (DreamBox Learning, Knewton, Squirrel AI) is analyzed, as these platforms adapt learning materials to the individual needs of students. The prospects of using automated assessment systems (Grammarly, Edmentum), which provide instant feedback to students and help develop self-reflection and argumentation skills, are also considered.A separate section of the article is devoted to analyzing teachers’ readiness to integrate digital technologies into the learning process. The study establishes that the level of teachers’ digital competence directly affects the effectiveness of modern teaching methods. The results of sociological research indicating the need for systematic professional development in digital literacy among educators are summarized. Practical recommendations are proposed for organizing training programs that will help teachers effectively utilize digital resources in their teaching.The article concludes that digital technologies are not merely auxiliary tools but essential components of modern education that facilitate the formation of critical thinking, creative abilities, and analytical skills in students. The integration of digital solutions into education fosters active student engagement in the learning process, enhances their ability to analyze information critically, evaluate facts, and articulate well-reasoned opinions.Future research perspectives include developing new methodological approaches aimed at harmonizing traditional and digital teaching methods, as well as creating innovative educational programs that consider students’ age-specific characteristics and promote their comprehensive development in a digital society.