Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

Leveraging Technology for Reading Development in ESL Primary Education: A Systematic Review

Nazurah Mohd Darus, Azlina Abdul Aziz

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v14-i2/25240

Open access

This systematic literature review explores the integration of technology to enhance reading skills in ESL primary education. A comprehensive analysis of 16 studies published between 2015 and 2024 reveals the diverse types of technologies employed, their impact on reading skills, students’ perceptions, and associated implications. The review identifies Augmented Reality (AR), multimedia learning platforms, digital storytelling applications, and various digital learning environments as prominent technologies used to support reading instruction. Findings indicate that these technologies significantly improve students' reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and engagement in reading activities. Teachers and students perceive technology positively, noting increased motivation and interactive learning experiences. However, challenges such as technical issues and the need for professional development are also identified. Practical implications include the importance of adequate infrastructure, teacher training, and curricular integration of digital tools. Research implications highlight the need for further exploration of emerging technologies, longitudinal studies to assess sustained impacts, and comparative research between digital and traditional methods. This review underscores the transformative potential of technology in ESL primary education, offering insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers aiming to enhance literacy outcomes through innovative technological integration.

Alneyadi, S., Abulibdeh, E., & Wardat, Y. (2023). The impact of digital environment vs. traditional method on literacy skills: Reading and writing of Emirati fourth graders. Sustainability, 15(4), 3418.
Amelia, L. C. H., & Abidin, M. J. Z. (2018). Young ESL learners’ perception on the effects of using digital storytelling application in English language learning. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 26(1), 179–198.
Anderson, P., & Rivera, J. (2021). Blended learning in primary education: A systematic review. Journal of Educational Technology, 15(2), 130–145.
Azlan, C. A., Wong, J. H. D., Tan, L. K., Mohamad, E., & Alias, N. (2020). Teaching and learning of postgraduate medical physics using Internet-based e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study from Malaysia. Physica Medica, 80, 10–16.
Azlan, M. A. M., et al. (2020). Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa): Bridging digital divide through online teaching and learning. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 10(9), 406–418.
Baharuddin, N. Q., & Hashim, H. (2020). Using digital reading in ESL Malaysian primary classrooms: The strengths and the shortcomings from the learners’ perspectives. Journal of Educational and Learning Studies, 3(1), 7–13.
Baker, T., & Clark, R. (2023). Digital learning environments: Improving literacy skills in ESL primary education. Educational Review, 28(1), 25–40.
Baltra, A., & Mesina, D. (2022). Interactive whiteboards in ESL classrooms: A review of benefits and challenges. TESOL Quarterly, 56(1), 45–61.
Brown, L., & Lee, S. (2021). Challenges in integrating technology in ESL education. Language Learning Journal, 37(3), 211–225.
Chai, Z., & Basri, M. F. (2020). Encouraging reluctant readers to read using WhatsApp in the times of COVID-19. Proceedings of the International Conference on Educational Research (InCER 2020).
Frontiers. (2023). The use of new technologies for improving reading comprehension. Frontiers in Psychology.
Fulgueras, S., & Bautista, A. (2020). Enhancing English reading skills and self-regulated learning through online collaborative flipped classroom: A comparative study. Frontiers in Education.
García, E., & Weiss, E. (2020). COVID-19 and student performance, equity, and U.S. education policy. Economic Policy Institute. Retrieved from
Garcia, R., & Lopez, M. (2020). Multimedia learning and reading comprehension in ESL classrooms. Interactive Learning Environments, 18(4), 301–315.
Garcia, R., & Nguyen, T. (2021). Collaborative learning platforms in ESL education. Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning, 34(6), 456–470.
Haleman, K. N., & Yamat, H. (2021). The acceptance of e-learning among ESL primary school students during COVID-19. Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 3(1), 8–18. https://doi.org/10.32996/jeltal.2021.3.1.2
Harris, J., & Smith, K. (2022). Teacher perceptions of technology in reading instruction. Journal of Education Research, 12(3), 89–105.
Hashim, A., Tan, S. C., & Rashid, R. S. A. (2021). Challenges in rural education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 18(2), 121–149.
Hashim, H., Tan, K. E., & Rashid, S. M. (2021). Challenges of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by educators in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 18(2), 191–206.
Indriani, S., & Suteja, H. (2023). Fostering reading interest through digital storytelling for young learners in the early childhood. Journal of Education and Learning, 17(2), 301–306.
Jia, X., Wang, X., & Liu, L. (2023). Online flipped classrooms and EFL learners' reading development. Journal of Educational Technology.
Jones, M., & Brown, A. (2021). The role of multimedia learning in enhancing reading skills. Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia, 29(2), 159–176.
Jones, S., et al. (2020). Student engagement with digital tools in ESL reading. Learning and Instruction, 45(4), 89–102.
Karimova, G., Ishanov, P., Mukanova, S., Odintsova, S., & Aratayeva, A. (2023). The effects of using digital stories and media in foreign language teaching. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 11(5), 1113–1130.
Kim, J., Kim, J., & Kwon, Y. (2017). The impact of digital tools on reading anxiety in ESL classrooms. TESOL Quarterly, 26(2), 175–194.
Kim, J., et al. (2020). Overcoming technical challenges in technology-enhanced learning. Computers & Education, 151, 103865.
Lee, H., & Kim, D. (2021). Augmented reality in ESL reading instruction. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 24(1), 101–112.
Lee, Y. R., & Yunus, M. M. (2020). The use of Seesaw in increasing pupils' reading interest. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(6), 2391–2396. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080623
Li, X., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Personalized learning technologies in ESL education. Computers & Education, 170, 104224.
Liu, Y., Liu, H., Xu, Y., & Lu, H. (2020). Online English reading instruction in the ESL classroom based on constructivism. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 48(4), 539–552.
Malaysian Ministry of Education (2021). DELIMa: Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia. Retrieved from
Mehring, J. (2016). Flipped classroom model and its application to language learning. Journal of Asia TEFL, 15, 365–382.
Mehring, J. (2016). Lexia Core5: A case study of an adaptive learning platform in ESL reading instruction. Journal of Research in Technology Education, 48(2), 87-102
Miller, R., & Johnson, L. (2022). Flipped classroom models in ESL education. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 13(1), 45–59.
Mohammadian, A., Saed, A., & Shahi, Y. (2018). The Effect of Using Video Technology on Improving Reading Comprehension of Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners. Advances in Language and Literary Studies, 9(2), 17-23.
Nasongkhla, J., & Sujiva, S. (2023). Enhancing reading capability of young Thai students with augmented reality technology: Design-based research. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(1), ep403.
Nguyen, L., et al. (2019). Digital storytelling in ESL classrooms. Language Learning & Technology, 23(2), 20–35.
OECD. (2020). OECD digital literacy framework.
OECD. (2020). The Impact of COVID-19 on Education: Insights from Education at a Glance 2020. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/education/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-education-insights-education-at-a-glance-2020.pdf
OECD. (2021). The State of School Education: One Year into the COVID Pandemic. OECD Publishing. Retrieved from
Peterson, L., & Watson, J. (2021). Enhancing ESL reading through educational software: A systematic review. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 24(3), 112–128.
Pragasam, J. A., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2023). Integrating technology in ESL reading classroom: Accounting pupils’ perspectives. Arab World English Journal, Special Issue on Communication and Language in Virtual Spaces, January, 324–342.
Prisma - addaway, N. R., Page, M. J., Pritchard, C. C., & McGuinness, L. A. (2022). PRISMA2020: An R package and Shiny app for producing PRISMA 2020-compliant flow diagrams, with interactivity for optimised digital transparency and Open Synthesis Campbell Systematic Reviews, 18, e1230.
Richards, J. C. (2020). Approaches and methods in language teaching (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Samiei, S., & Ebadi, S. (2021). The role of flipped learning in enhancing ESL students' reading comprehension. Educational Research Review.
Smith, A. (2021). Teacher training for effective technology integration. Teaching and Teacher Education, 97, 103233.
Smith, J., et al. (2020). The Impact of AR on ESL Reading Skills. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(5), 2345-2360.
Teng, F. (2019). Maximizing the potential of captions for primary school ESL students’ comprehension of English-language videos. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 32(7), 665–691.
UNESCO. (2020). Digital divide. Retrieved from .
UNESCO. (2020). Global Education Monitoring Report 2020: Inclusion and education – All means all.
Williams, C. (2019). Addressing Pedagogical Challenges in Technology Integration. International Journal of Instructional Media, 46(3), 201-220.
Williams, S., & Roberts, J. (2022). Digital Storytelling and Vocabulary Retention. Reading Research Quarterly, 57(2), 123-139.
Yunus, M. M., Hashim, H., & Embi, M. A. (2021). Challenges and issues of teacher training in integrating technology: A case study in Malaysian education system. Journal of Education, 4(2), 147–160.
Yunus, M. M., Hashim, H., & Embi, M. A. (2021). Distance learning and technology: The impact of COVID-19 on ESL learners. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 11(6), 131-143. Retrieved from https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/10295/distance-learning-and-technology-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-esl-learners.pdf
Yunus, M. M., Suliman, A., Szee Huei, L., Fang Kai, T., & Kiew, S. (2020). The Use of Voca-Lens to Enhance the Students’ Vocabulary Repertoire. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, 9(3), 172-184. DOI: 10.18488/journal.23.2020.93.172.184

Darus, N. M., & Aziz, A. A. (2025). Leveraging Technology for Reading Development in ESL Primary Education: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 14(2), 673–694.