Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 3 no. 7 (2025)

Efficacy of Digital Tools for Students’ Vocabulary Expansion

Angelee A. Bocanegra | Eugenia N. Sedillo | Maria Chona Z. Futalan

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of selected digital tools— such as MerriamWebster’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 posttest 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.



References:

  1. 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 
  2. 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 
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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 
  6. 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 
  7. 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 
  8. Hardiek, R. (2024). Tech-enhanced learning in rural areas: How digital access drives education. WCET Frontiers. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/3nksv9hk
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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 
  12. 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 
  13. Rasinski, T., & Rupley, W. (Eds.). (2019). Vocabulary development. MDPI. Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/yc89a8rn 
  14. 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 
  15. 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
  16. 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 

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic