The role of informal digital learning of English in informatics engineering students’ communication behavior

Contemporary situation of online learning caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a new habit of learning English outside the classroom by using technology [Informal digital learning of English (IDLE)]. However, studies on the role of IDLE in English for specific purposes (ESP) context still remain a paucity of evidence. The present study sheds some light on how IDLE affects informatics engineering students' willingness to communicate (WTC) in English. Drawing on a survey research, Indonesian Informatics Engineering students (n = 271) who have taken a compulsory English course participated in this study upon invitation. An online questionnaire was used to collect data, which was divided into three sections: (1) WTC, (2) IDLE, and (3) demographic data. The results of the regression analysis revealed that Frequency of IDLE (the total quantity of IDLE activities), Productive IDLE activities (creating English material), and Receptive IDLE activities (receiving English content) were all positive predictors of the students' WTC in English. The findings indicate that Indonesian Informatics Engineering students engage in English communication more frequently through IDLE activities. The findings also suggest that IDLE activities may promote communication behavior in Indonesian English for Informatics Engineering students learning English as a foreign language in a culturally homogeneous community. In terms of pedagogical implications, this study is intended to provide significant insights for English learners who have been learning the language in an informal setting with little supervision. © 2023 Author(s).