This paper describes the use of a number of alternative blended learning models based on a mixture of tradit ional face-to-face classes with some elements of e-learn ing in the course of "English for Academic Purposes" (EAP) and "English for Specific Academic Pu rposes" (ESAP) taught to junior and senior undergraduate students of co mputer sciences in the undergraduate program of Business Informat ics and Software Engineering over a period of time fro m 2009 to 2012 at the

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The article explores the phenomenon of virtualization as a special form of socialization. The authors believe that virtual communications contribute to the formation of a new social phenomenonthe "intergenerational ring of socialization", a phenomenon that is based on the bi-directional nature of communication that interacts with all actors involved in the communication process. According to the authors, virtualization erodes the traditional principles of social contacts, can cause reformatting of traditional values and their evaluation. The principles of intergenerational contacts change, and, therefore, the probability of differentiation in sociocultural norms under the influence of virtual socialization changes too. The work explores modern views on socialization in the context of virtualization. Changing the usual mechanisms of socialization in a world where new communication technologies are gaining importance is an important topic of multidisciplinary research. Under the impact of virtual technologies, not only does the process of socialization change, but the basic principles and the specifics of this process are changing too. Socialization becomes bidirectional, virtuality enables the emergence of a "socialization ring" that implies a new kind of intergenerational interaction, as well as a reassessment of existing values and new forms of learning about the world.

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