Efficacy of Digital Tools for Students’ Vocabulary Expansion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2025.346Keywords:
Context-based learning, Digital tools, Educational technology, Language learning, Vocabulary expansion, Vocabulary retentionAbstract
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of selected digital tools— such as Merriam Webster’s Word of the Day, Oxford English Dictionary (OED) App, Google Translate, Power Thesaurus, WordReference.com, and Wordnik— in enhancing students’ vocabulary acquisition. A quasi-experimental research design with a comparative approach was employed. The respondents were the 120 students from NARRA National High School under the Division of Bayawan City. Each participant was randomly assigned to either of the two groups, and each was exposed to different digital vocabulary tools. A pre-test and post-test were administered to measure changes in vocabulary skills using a validated assessment tool to evaluate proficiency before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included a paired sample t-test to compare pre-test and post-test scores within groups and an independent samples t-test to assess differences between the two groups. The study revealed a significant improvement in vocabulary skills after exposure to digital tools. However, results also indicated that in most areas, there was no significant difference between the post-vocabulary skills of the two groups. The mean post-test scores for both groups reached the “advanced” category (90% to 94%), confirming the overall effectiveness of digital interventions. Schools and educators are therefore encouraged to integrate these tools into traditional learning methods to optimize student engagement and support vocabulary development.
Downloads
References
Ajisoko, P. (2020). The use of Duolingo apps to improve English vocabulary learning. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 15(7), 149–155. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v15i07.13229
Alzahrani, S., & Alhomyani, M. (2023). The effectiveness of explicit vocabulary instruction on productive vocabulary learning in writing among intermediate school learners in Saudi Arabia. Sino-US English Teaching, 20(8), 289–310. https://doi.org/10.17265/1539-8072/2023.08.001
Ayeni, O. O., Al Hamad, N. M., Chisom, O. N., Osawaru, B., & Adewusi, O. E. (2024). AI in education: A review of personalized learning and educational technology. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 18(2), 261-271. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2024.18.2.0062
Ayong, D. M., & Dimaano, M. H. (2024). Grade 12 senior high school students’ efficiency in vocabulary building via interactive digital tool (VERBAID). International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 9(2). https://tinyurl.com/bstpukh2
Babazade, Y. (2024). The impact of digital tools on vocabulary development in second language learning. Journal of Azerbaijan Language and Education Studies, 1(1), 35–50. https://doi.org/10.69760/jales.2024.00103
Bayabel, A., & Tahir, M. (2024). Effect of vocabulary learning strategies on students’ vocabulary knowledge achievement and motivation. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1399350. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1399350
Ergashev, R. S. (2024). Effectiveness of traditional vocabulary instruction for academic vocabulary in Uzbek master's students. Journal of Language and Education, 1(1), 35–50. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14160003
Hardiek, R. (2024). Tech-enhanced learning in rural areas: How digital access drives education. WCET Frontiers. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/3nksv9hk
Hashemi, A. (2021). The effects of using games on teaching vocabulary in reading comprehension: A case of gifted students. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 9(2), 151–160. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.846480
Herrero Morales, A. (2024). The impact of the internet and the digital age on English Vocabulary (Bachelor’s thesis). Universitat de les Illes Balears. https://dspace.uib.es/xmlui/handle/11201/164831
Phung, T. M. (2021). Vocabulary acquisition and learning strategies in second language learning: A review paper. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 12(3), 456–462. https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1203.15
Rafiq, S., Iqbal, S., & Afzal, A. (2024). Digital tools and online learning platforms impact higher education learning outcomes. Al-Mahdi research journal (MRJ), 5(4), 359–369. https://ojs.mrj.com.pk/index.php/MRJ/article/view/342
Rasinski, T., & Rupley, W. (Eds.). (2019). Vocabulary development. MDPI. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/yc89a8rn
Tabassum, A., & Naveed, A. (2024). Interactive strategies for enriching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) vocabulary: A comprehensive exploration. Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research, 11(1), 1–16. https://tinyurl.com/5n6envfe
Yeganehpour, P., & Zarfsaz, E. (2021). Teaching vocabulary in contexts substantially impacts learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Journal of Language Teaching, 54(2), 134–146. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1309657
Zhao, L., & Poot, J. (2023). Improving vocabulary acquisition with online tools: A case study on Wordnik and Power Thesaurus. Journal of Educational Technology, 22(4), 205–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jet.2023.01.002
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
