The Influence of 'WEBTOON' as a Digital Reading Aid for High School EFL Students

Abstract

After the pandemic, classrooms experienced a noticeable decline in learning outcomes, coinciding with the emergence of a more tech-savvy cohort of learners and educators. This shift prompted a quest for digital solutions to enhance student engagement, with Webtoon emerging as a prominent option. Particularly popular among Generation Z, Webtoon's straightforward yet entertaining interface, diverse themes, and captivating artwork entice users to delve into its panels during leisure time. In the following qualitative study, the perspectives of high school students from UEPSMA (Unidad Educativa Particular Salesianas María Auxiliadora) in Cuenca were examined. Through three cycles of action research employing qualitative methods, participants underwent three spontaneous quizzes and concluded with a final survey via Google Forms. Findings indicated that students found Webtoon's visuals and language usage gratifying, attributing their continued engagement to compelling storylines and vivid illustrations. Additionally, their responses underscored a sense of satisfaction with integrating a digital reading tool into the classroom, which notably bolstered their motivation for English reading.