The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Tablet-based Digital Storytelling in Vocabulary Learning Among Malaysian Young English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners

Abstract

Vocabulary is one of the most important skills to be mastered in the English language learning as the mastery of vocabulary learning determines learners’ efficiency in learning the language. However, mastering the learning of vocabulary poses difficulties to the English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Hence, it is important to identify the appropriate approaches in learning the vocabulary. This study aims to examine the benefits and drawbacks of using the tablet-based digital storytelling application in vocabulary learning among young ESL learners. Qualitative case study has been employed as the research design of this study utilised interviews, documentation and observations techniques. The participants involved in this study were six 11-year-old ESL learners of different level of language proficiency (high, intermediate and low) selected through purposive sampling. The findings revealed that there were eight benefits and five drawbacks in using the digital storytelling application on tablet to learn vocabulary among the ESL learners. It is found that the use of this vocabulary learning application on tablet is suitable to be used as a vocabulary learning material among the learners. This study is significant to the curriculum planners, educators and learners in planning and determining the materials that is suitable to be used for vocabulary learning among the young ESL learners. The benefits and drawbacks identified are able to inform all the authorities on the possible strengths and weaknesses in using this application to learn vocabulary.