Exploring the impact of technology on foreign language learning: a multivariate meta–meta-analysis study

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the impact of technology on student foreign language learning, as it has been widely used to enhance language instruction over the past few decades. This multivariate meta–meta-analysis study aimed to examine the effects of technology on various aspects of language learning, including listening, speaking, reading, writing and vocabulary, and explore how factors like educational level and technology type influenced these impacts. The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 10 studies published prior to May 2023, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. They analyzed the descriptive and methodological characteristics of each study, and found a statistically significant overall effect size (g = .068, p < .001 with a 95% confidence interval of .595–.860) indicating that technology positively impacted language learning outcomes compared to traditional learning methods. The researchers identified educational level and technology type as important factors contributing to the variability in effect size. Specifically, both higher education and K-12 settings, as well as VR tools and computing resources, had positive impacts on students’ foreign language learning. Overall, the results suggest that using technology is an effective way to improve foreign language learning for students, and provide valuable recommendations for future research and practical applications in this area.