Effect of Technology while Teaching National Geographic Learning (NGL) Life Series Books: Perceptions of Teachers and Students

Authors

  • Assem Alqarni

    GRC Department, Applied college, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.10832
Received: 1 July 2025 | Revised: 8 July 2025 | Accepted: 28 July 2025 | Published Online: 22 September 2025

Abstract

This mixed–methods study explores the perceived effectiveness of National Geographic Learning (NGL) Life Series digital tools in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction drawing on both student and teacher perspectives. Data were collected over a four–month period (January–April 2025) using structured questionnaires from 100 students and semi–structured interviews with six EFL instructors. Quantitative findings reveal that 88% of students reported enhanced classroom engagement, while 83% of teachers observed improved participation, both attributing these outcomes to the tools' interactive and gamified features. However, internet connectivity issues reported by 42% of respondents and by 29% as insufficient device access hindered seamless integration. In addition, 50% of teachers identified concerns regarding the cultural alignment with pedagogical relevance. The findings underscore the necessity of developing robust digital infrastructure and providing sustained professional development for educators to optimize the pedagogical utility of such tools for both engagement and effectiveness.

Keywords:

Technology integration; National Geographic Learning; Digital resources; EFL teaching; Student–teacher perceptions

References

[1] Mayer, R.E., 2020. The Promise of Multimedia Learning. In: Mayer, R.E., Fiorella, L. (eds.). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning, 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK. pp. 3-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108894333.003

[2] Subramanian, L., 2024. Role of Multimedia Resources in English Language Learning: An Overview. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities. 4(1), 191–195. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.4.1.28

[3] Mishra, P., Koehler, M.J., 2006. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge. Teachers College Record: The Voice of Scholarship in Education. 108(6), 1017–1054. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467–9620.2006.00684.x

[4] Plass, J. L., Jones, L. C., 2005. Multimedia Learning in Second Language Acquisition. In R. E. Mayer (eds.). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning, 3rd ed. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK. pp. 467-488. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511816819.030

[5] Godwin-Jones, R., 2021. Evolving technologies for language learning. Language Learning & Technology. 25(3), 6–26.

[6] Kessler, M., 2020., Technology–Mediated Writing: Exploring Incoming Graduate Students’ L2 Writing Strategies with Activity Theory. Computers and Composition. 55, 102542. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compcom.2020.102542

[7] Pegrum, M., Hockly, N., Dudeney, G., 2022. Digital Literacies, 2nd ed. Routledge: New York, NY, USA. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003262541

[8] Al–Asmari, A.M., Rabb Khan, M.S., 2014. E–learning in Saudi Arabia: Past, present and future. Near and Middle Eastern Journal of Research in Education. 2014(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.5339/nmejre.2014.2

[9] Khan, I., 2011. Learning difficulties in English: Diagnosis and pedagogy in Saudi Arabia. Educational Research, 2 (7), 1248– 1257.

[10] Khan, I.A., 2011. Challenges of teaching/learning English and management. Global Journal of Human social science. 11(8), 69–80.

[11] Khan, I.A., 2016a. Effectiveness of E–learning for the Teaching of English: A Study of Comparative Strategies. Advances in Language and Literary Studies. 7(3), 125–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.7n.3p.125

[12] Khan, I., 2016b. Barriers in the Learning of English: An Exploratory Study. British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science. 15(2), 1–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/BJESBS/2016/23743

[13] Khan, I.A., 2020. Electronic learning management system: Relevance, challenges and preparedness. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research. 7(5), 471–80.

[14] Khan, I.A., 2024. Psychology of color, integration of local culture and effect of infographics on English language learning. PSU Research Review. 8(1), 84–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/prr-02-2021-0013

[15] Alqarni, A., 2023. Pedagogic Relevance of Integrating Augmented Reality in Saudi English Classrooms: A Systematic Review. Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies. 49(1), 68–78. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ajess/2023/v49i11101

[16] Byram, M., Gribkova, B., Starkey, H., 2002. Developing the intercultural dimension in language teaching: a practical introduction for teachers. Available from: http://www.lrc.cornell.edu/director/intercultural.pdf

[17] Ortega, L., 2009. Understanding Second Language Acquisition , 1st ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203777282

[18] Warschauer, M., 2007. The paradoxical future of digital learning. Learning Inquiry. 1, 41–49. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11519-007-0001-5

[19] Hodges, C. B., Moore, S., Lockee, B. B., et al., 2020. The difference between emergency remote teaching and online learning. Available from: https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-difference-between-emergency-remote-teaching-and-online-learning

[20] Zhao, Y., Watterston, J., 2021. The changes we need: Education post COVID–19. Journal of Educational Change. 22(1), 3–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-021-09417-3

[21] Rienties, B., Køhler Simonsen, H., Herodotou, C., 2020. Defining the Boundaries Between Artificial Intelligence in Education, Computer–Supported Collaborative Learning, Educational Data Mining, and Learning Analytics: A Need for Coherence. Frontiers in Education. 5, 128. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.00128

[22] Hou, H.–T., 2023. Diverse Development and Future Challenges of Game–Based Learning and Gamified Teaching Research. Education Sciences. 13(4), 337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040337

[23] Hockly, N., 2018. Blended Learning. ELT Journal. 72(1), 97–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccx058

[24] Braun, V., Clarke, V., 2006. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 3(2), 77–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

[25] Chapelle, C.A., 2001.Computer Applications in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK. pp 1-20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139524681

[26] El Hussein, M., Kennedy, A., Oliver, B., 2017. Grounded Theory and the Conundrum of Literature Review: Framework for Novice Researchers. The Qualitative Report. 22(4), 1198–1210. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2017.2661

[27] Gee, J.P., 2014. An Introduction to Discourse Analysis: Theory and Method, 4th ed. Routledge: London, UK. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315819679

[28] Chapelle, C.A., 2017. The handbook of technology and second language teaching and learning. Wiley: New Jersey, NJ, USA. pp 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118914069

[29] Noble,L., 2023. Emotional bridge in higher education: Enhancing self–efficacy and achievement through hybrid engagement. ESP Review. 5(2), 7–23.

[30] Noble, L., Chan, S., 2024. Gamification for Higher Education Applications: A Social Learning Theory Approach. In: Martindale, T., Amankwatia, T.B.,Cifuentes, L., et al. (eds.). Handbook of Research in Online Learning: Insights and Advances. Brill: Leiden, Netherlands. pp. 576–610. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004702813

[31] OECD., 2021. Adapting Curriculum to Bridge Equity Gaps: Towards an Inclusive Curriculum. OECD Publishing. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1787/6b49e118–en.

Downloads

How to Cite

Alqarni, A. (2025). Effect of Technology while Teaching National Geographic Learning (NGL) Life Series Books: Perceptions of Teachers and Students . Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(10), 19–35. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.10832