The Role of Digital Testing on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning and Retention

The present study attempted to investigate the role of digital testing on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Sixty EFL students were divided into two groups: control (n=30) and experimental (n=30). A vocabulary test was administered to both groups in order to ensure that they were equivalent. Then, all participants attended 18 sessions. where participants of the experimental group used an English vocabulary that included unknown vocabulary and different online tests while participants of the control group practiced vocabulary in the class but without any application. Immediately after the treatment was over, the vocabulary test was administered to both groups in order to evaluate the differences between the two groups in vocabulary acquisition. Moreover, the same test was administered to both groups two weeks after the administration of the post-test with the purpose of evaluating the differences between the two groups in vocabulary retention. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups in both the immediate and the delayed administrations of the vocabulary test. Therefore, it was concluded that digital testing enhanced both vocabulary acquisition and retention among EFL students. The findings of this study have implications for teachers. It can be used by other researchers and EFL students.