Application of chatbots for enhancing communication skills of IT specialists

The paper deals with the urgent issue of application of chatbots in training IT specialists for enhancing their communication skills. The background of application of chatbots in learning from using ordinary chatbots which converse in the language studied to development and implementation of special chatbots created for studying has been described. Main features, advantages and disadvantages of certain chatbots have been analysed. Taking into account the results of the analysis the teaching-oriented chatbot BEbot for developing communication skills of IT specialists has been introduced, some specifics and challenges of its creation, its peculiarities and contents have been presented. It is emphasized that along with developing business-like communication skills, language-in-use skills, cultural distinction knowledge, command of business writing style and delivering presentations in a businesslike manner have been enhanced through communication with BEbot. The results of the surveys of students on their experience in the chatbot use and their particular experience with BEbot have been highlighted.