The Effect of Global Digital Citizenship Education on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning: Exploring Learners’ Perceptions

Khoshnam Ebrahimian ¹ ( Department of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran )
Zhila Mohammadnia ² ( Department of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran )
Mehdi Sarkhosh ³ ( Department of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran )

Submited date : 2025-05-14 Accepted date : 2025-07-29

Keywords: Digital Literacy, Global Digital Citizenship Education, Vocabulary Learning,

Abstract :

In an increasingly interconnected world, the necessity for individuals to participate responsibly in digital environments is paramount. Integrating technology and online resources in language learning can enhance vocabulary acquisition by equipping learners with the skills and knowledge to utilize digital resources effectively and responsibly. This mixed methods study explored the influence of global digital citizenship education(GDCE) on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and their perceptions of GDCE.Sixty male upper-intermediate EFL learners were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, with 20 participants interviewed for qualitative insights. Instruments included the Oxford Quick Placement Test to ensure the homogeneity, the vocabulary Levels Test Version 2, and a researcher-made questionnaire to provide qualitative data. Cronbach’s alpha was used to ensure the reliability. The validity of the instruments was ensured through content validity. The obtained results revealed the significant effect of global digital citizenship education on the improvement of vocabulary learning. The quantitative data revealed positive attitudes of the participants toward global digital citizenship education. The findings hold significant theoretical and practical significance for teachers, teacher educators, curriculum designers, and researchers.

References:

References
Akman, E., Idil, O., & Cakır, R. (2023). An investigation into the levels of digital parenting, digital literacy, and digital data security awareness among parents and teachers in early childhood education. Participatory Educational Research, 10(5), 248-263. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.23.85.10.5.
Alamer, A., & Al Khateeb, A. (2021). Effects of using the WhatsApp application on language learners’ vocabulary acquisition. Education and Information Technologies, 26(6), 7399-7417.
Alamri, H. R., & Hakami, H. (2022). Exploring perspectives of EFL students on using electronic dictionaries to improve vocabulary learning: a comparative study. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2), 1578-1599.
Alqahtani, M. (2015). The importance of vocabulary in language learning and how to be taught. International Journal of Teaching and Education, 3, 21-34. https://doi.org/10.20472/TE.2015.3.3.002.
Alshreef, N. R., & Khadawardi, H. A. (2024). Using TikTok as a tool for English vocabulary learning in the EFL context. English Language Teaching, 16(10), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v16n10p125.
Aslan, E. (2016). A study on the use of mobile dictionaries in vocabulary teaching. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 12(1), 1-8.
Babazade, Y. (2024). The impact of digital tools on vocabulary development in second language learning. Journal of Azerbaijan Language and Education Studies, 1(1), 35-41. https://doi.org/10.69760/jales.2024.00103.
Capuno, R., Suson, R., Suladay, D., Arnaiz, V., Villarin, I. & Jungoy, E. (2022). Digital citizenship in education and its implication. World Journal on Educational Technology: Current Issues, 14(2), 426-437. https://doi.org/10.18844/wjet.v14i2.6952.
Dahmardeh, M., & Kim, S. D. (2020). An analysis of the representation of cultural content in English coursebooks, Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 13(5), 1388-1407. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAR HE-09-2020-0290.
Fingal, D. (2020). Infographic: Citizenship in the digital age. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/explore/infographic-im-digital-citizen.
Godwin-Jones, R. (2015). Contributing, creating, curating: Digital literacies for language learners. Language Learning & Technology, 19(3), 8-20.
Hanh, T. T. M. (2025). Enhancing language learning through digital literacy: Practical applications in EFL classrooms. American Research Journal of Humanities & Social Science, 7(5), 53-59. https://www.arjhss.com.
Healey, M., Flint, A., & Harrington, K. (2016). Students as partners: Reflections on a conceptual model. Teaching & Learning Inquiry The ISSOTL Journal, 4(2), 1–13. https:// doi.org/10.20343/10.20343/teachlearninqu.4.2.3.
Higgins, C. (2012). English as a global language. Routledge.
Jones, R. H., & Hafner, Ch. A. (2012). Understanding digital literacies: A practical introduction. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264233210_Understanding_Digital_Literacies_A_Practical_Introduction.
Kabilan, M. K., Ahmad, N., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2010). Facebook: An online environment for learning of English in institutions of higher education? The Internet and Higher Education, 13(4), 179-187.
Kara, N. (2018). Understanding university students’ thoughts and practices about digital citizenship. Educational Technology & Society, 21(1), 172-185.
Krashen, S. (1989). We acquire vocabulary and spelling by reading: Additional evidence for the input hypothesis. The Modern Language Journal, 73, 440-464.
http:// doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4781.1989.tb05325.x.
House, J. (2012). Teaching oral skill in English as a lingual franca. In Off, L. Alsag, McKay, S., and Hu, G., & W. Renandya (Eds), Principles and Practices for Teaching English as an International Language (pp. 186-205). Routledge.
Lutge, Ch. (2023). Digital citizenship education: Perspectives for foreign language teaching. Retrieved from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jacetchubu/20/0/20_1/_pdf/-char/ja.
Mossberger, K., Tolbert, C., & McNeal, R. S. (2007). Digital citizenship: The internet, society, and participation. The MIT Press.
Ozturk, G. (2021). Digital citizenship and its teaching: A literature review. Journal of Educational Technology and Online Learning, 4(1), 31-45.
Prasetiyo, W. H., Naidu, N. B. M., Tan, B. P., & Sumardjoko, B. (2021). Digital citizenship trend in educational sphere: A systematic review. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 10(4), 1192-1201. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v10i4.21767.
Ranchordas, S. (2020). We teach and learn online. Are we all digital citizens now? Lessons on digital citizenship from the lockdown. Retrieved from http://www.iconnectblog.com/2020/05/we-teachand-learn-online-are-we-all-digital-citizens-now-lessons-on-digital-citizenship-from-thelockdown/.
Rezai, A., Soyoof, A., & Reynolds, B. L. (2024). Effectiveness of informal digital learning of English on EFL learners’ vocabulary knowledge: a mixed- methods investigation Effectiveness of informal digital learning of English on EFL learners’ vocabulary knowledge: a mixed- methods investigation. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380465164.
Ribble, M. (2008). Passport to digital citizenship journey toward appropriate technology use at school and at home. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(4), 14-17.
Ribble, M. (2012). Digital citizenship for educational change. Kappa Delta Pi Record, 48(4), 148-151. https://doi.org/10.1080/00228958.2012.734015.
Ribble, M., & Bailey, G. (2007). Digital citizenship in schools. International Society for Technology in Education.
Ribble, M., & Miller, T. N. (2013). Educational leadership in an online world: Connecting students to technology responsibly, safely, and ethically. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 17(1), 135-143.
Richardson, J., & Milovidov, E. (2019). Digital citizenship education handbook. Retrieved from https://rm.coe.int/16809382f9.
Richards, J. C., & Schmidt, R. (2010). Longman dictionary of language teaching and
applied linguistics. Pearson Education Limited.
Shelley, M., Thrane, L., Shulman, S., Lang, E., Beisser, S., Larson, T., & Mutiti, J. (2004). Digital citizenship: Parameters of the digital divide. Social Science Computer Review, 22(2), 256-269. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894439303262580.
Singh, M. N. (2021). Inroad of digital technology in education: Age of digital classroom. Higher Education for the Future, 8, 20-30. https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631120980272.
Starkey, H. (2022). Challenges to global citizenship education: nationalism and cosmopolitanism. In: Lutge, Christiane and Merse, Thorsten and Rauschert, Petra, (eds.) Global Citizenship in Foreign Language Education Concepts, Practices, Connections, (pp. 62-78). Routledge.
Stockwell, G. (2013). Technology and motivation in English-language teaching and learning. In E. Ushioda (Ed.), International perspectives on motivation: Language learning and professional challenges (pp. 156-175). Palgrave Macmillan.
Summak, M. S., Samancioglu, M., & Baglibel, M. (2010). Technology integration and assessment in educational settings. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2(2), 1725-1729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.973.
Susanto, A., Malik, A., & Mitrayati, A. (2020). The challenges of learning English as a foreign language among undergraduate students. INOVISH JOURNAL 5(1), 1-11.
Tan, T. (2011). Educating digital citizens. Leadership, 41(1), 30-32.
Thorne, S. L., & Reinhardt, J. (2008). Bridging activities, new media literacies, and advanced foreign language proficiency. CALICO Journal, 25(3), 558-572.
Wang, M., Chen, Y., & Khan, M. J. (2014). Mobile cloud learning for higher education: A case study of moodle in the cloud. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 15(2), 254-267. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v15i2.1676.
Zheng, Q., Yuan, Z., & Pan, X. (2024). Examining the influencing effect of EFL students’ digital literacy on their online learning power: the mediating role of perceived teacher support. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 45(1), 20-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.2404669.