Youth English Language Learners’ Learning Outcomes and Experiences of Digital Technology-Based Writing Instruction: A Literature Review of Key Empirical Evidence

Abstract

A growing body of research has revealed that the use of digital technology, including digital media, for writing instruction positively impacts English language learners’(ELLs’) learning and engagement; however, little is known about how this instruction impacts the development of ELLs’ writing skills. This scoping literature review is comprised of empirical evidence from 32 studies published between 2010 and 2020 that reported on the impact of digital technology-supported writing instruction on youth ELL’s writing skills. Although the types of digital technology media that were used varied across the studies, the results revealed that all 32 studies found a positive or perceived positive impact of digital technology-supported writing instruction on ELLs’ writing skills in areas of grammar, language mechanics, metalinguistic awareness, organization, sentence/paragraph structure, and/or word choice/language use. Specifically, 29 articles reported positive outcomes or perceived positive outcomes, while three showed mixed results in which certain areas improved but not others. Pedagogical implications, and recommendations are provided to language educators and youth ELLs.