A systematic review of perceptions of online student response systems in EFL/ESL classroom

Thesis

The effectiveness of integrating technologies in English education has been widely discussed. The online student response system (OSRS) is a popular technology that enables students to answer teachers’ questions using mobile phones. OSRS has been reported to effectively improve English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) students’ learning outcomes and engagement. However, EFL/ESL students and teachers also provided negative views on OSRS. This systematic review focuses on using OSRS in formal primary and secondary EFL/ESL classrooms and aims to portray the extent and nature of relevant empirical studies and discover the similarities and differences between students’ and teachers’ perceptions.

The inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed based on research objectives. 8 databases and citation chaining were used to locate relevant studies. The last search was conducted at the end of June 2024. The 38 included studies were assessed using Hong’s (2008) Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and synthesised following Thomas and Harden’s (2008) three-step process for thematic synthesis.

Results showed that most studies focused on students’ perception and secondary education, with Kahoot being the most researched tool. Both teachers and students presented mixed support for OSRS's ease of use and usefulness. The different frequencies of reporting particular themes were found between teachers and students (e.g., game mechanisms). The suggestions reported by students and teachers recommend three possible ways to improve the use of OSRS. Future study is advised to apply a longitudinal design to compare the changes in students’ and teachers’ perceptions and compare them with students’ actual learning outcomes and engagement level.

Authors: Wang Yulin, I

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-6ryga6g1j
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: perceptions; EFL; OSRS; systematic review; ALSLA2024; ALSLA; ESL
• Subjects: Applied linguistics; Perception; Student response systems; English language--Study and teaching--Foreign speakers