Engagement with online media among learners is closely linked to language proficiency and cultural comprehension, offering a platform for enhancing English language skills. This has given rise to the field of online informal learning of English (OILE), with numerous studies exploring learners' habits in this domain and indicating positive impacts…

The purpose of this causal-comparative mixed-method study was to investigate and compare Saudi EFL female students' perspectives utilizing e-dictionaries to increase vocabulary learning in the Language Department (ELD) and those in the Preparatory Year Program (PYP) at Taibah University. The participants comprised (143) fourth-year students, while…

The current research aimed to discover the most frequently used reading strategies of EFL university students across their reading proficiency and personality types and examine the interaction between the predictive factors in using the strategies when reading English online texts. Data were collected using a questionnaire on reading strategies…

The recent dynamic turn in second language acquisition research has called for an investigation in learner agency by taking its complex dynamic nature into account. Informed by complex dynamic systems theory (CDST), this study investigated the agency of learners in a complex educational context where mainstream schooling and private tutoring…

Background: Student engagement has been conceptualised and operationalised in various learning environments. However, there is currently a lack of established scales to measure student engagement in synchronous online learning. One possible reason is the existence of the conceptual and structural ambiguity regarding student engagement. Objective:…

This study shows how a facilitator gives directive-instructions to create interactional spaces for second language (L2) learning in an online setting by investigating interactions in a video-mediated extensive reading (ER) book club. Taking a multimodal conversation analysis approach, the study observes the facilitator's changing practices of…

Arabic grammar textbooks often contain complex and detailed explanations that can make them challenging for students to master and understand. The utilization of technology can now help resolve this issue through web-based infographic innovations. Infographics are a method of presenting information that is easy and quick to comprehend, which suits…

Despite the importance of spatiality in language learning and teaching environments, empirical research in this line is still lacking. Here, we adopt a spatial ontology perspective to examine how seven English for Specific Purposes (ESP) learners and three teachers perceived and experienced three language learning environments. Set in a higher…

Short stories and e-learning are two effective tools for EFL learning and teaching due to their potential to promote language, communication, cultural understanding, and thinking skills and to facilitate enjoyable, interesting, and encouraging learning. Yet, studies exploring students' experience in using literature and EFL e-learning environments…

Artificial intelligence-mediated informal digital learning of English (AI-IDLE) might strengthen second language (L2) learners' motivational self-concept (e.g., the ideal L2 self) and enhance their foreign language enjoyment (FLE) by enabling them to build confidence, engagement, and willingness to practice their English skills in a self-directed,…

Language teachers increasingly make use of digital platforms to find students, upload teaching material, give lessons, and promote themselves. This article examines the accounts of two popular English teachers from China on the social media platform Douyin and explores similarities and differences in the two teachers' self-branding strategies. We…

Technology-enhanced learning environments (TELEs) have provided language learners with various opportunities to promote their self-sufficient learning outside the classroom lately. Thus, language learners are no longer passive recipients of language; in contrast, they are autonomous learners who apply self-regulated learning strategies through the…

Mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) applications (apps) can provide users with personalized learning content to meet their learning needs. Besides, from the learner perspective, the apps can be regarded as 'social' individuals, like anthropomorphic instructors who offer social support to help them with language learning. However, the current…

Read-aloud stories can improve reading comprehension through exposure to literature beyond one's current reading level, leading to increased independent reading among users. In an era of online learning, online platforms offer opportunities for learners to engage with authentic language materials and provide interactive learning experiences.…

The rise of informal language learning, especially learning conducted online outside the classroom context, has received considerable scholarly attention in recent years. To date, however, there has been limited evidence-based systematic analysis of the prevalence of online informal language learning (OILL). Accordingly, we conducted a systematic…