The Impact of Digital Storytelling on EFL Learners’ Speaking and Writing Skills

Authors

  • Saima Usmani

    Department of English Language, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer 61411, Saudi Arabia
  • Elsadig Hussein Fadlalla Ali

    Department of English Language, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer 61411, Saudi Arabia
  • Musadhique Kottaparamban

    Department of English Language, King Khalid University, Abha, Aseer 61411, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.9034
Received: 12 March 2025 | Revised: 7 April 2025 | Accepted: 14 April 2025 | Published Online: 15 April 2025

Abstract

This research investigates the impact of digital storytelling as a pedagogical modality to enhance the speaking and writing skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. A review of secondary sources indicates that educators have increasingly integrated digital storytelling with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, thereby improving the feasibility of these methods to bolster EFL learners’ speaking and writing competencies. Despite the potential benefits, many learners encounter challenges in effectively utilizing educational technologies, which hampers their academic development. Concurrently, educators face infrastructural constraints that inhibit the implementation of digital storytelling in traditional educational settings. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative analysis of secondary literature and quantitative analysis from primary research. Thematic analysis has been conducted on relevant journals and articles to align with the research objectives. Additionally, a survey was administered to 20 EFL participants, whose responses provided insight into the research questions. The findings indicate a significant improvement in oral fluency, accuracy, and learner confidence in speaking, alongside enhancements in grammatical accuracy and creativity in writing. Both students and teachers report positive responses towards digital storytelling, highlighting its engaging nature. However, challenges, particularly regarding technical limitations, remain evident. Consequently, while digital storytelling emerges as a highly effective language teaching strategy, further development is required to refine its format and integration with mainstream educational materials.  

Keywords:

Digital Storytelling; EFL Learners; Speaking and Writing Skills; Secondary Qualitative Research; Thematic Analysis

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How to Cite

Usmani, S., Ali, E. H. F., & Kottaparamban, M. (2025). The Impact of Digital Storytelling on EFL Learners’ Speaking and Writing Skills. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(4), 816–831. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.9034

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (April 2025): In Progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2025 Saima Usmani, Elsadig Hussein Fadlalla Ali, Musadhique Kottaparamban

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.