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Journal
Journal of Education and Teaching Learning
ISSN
e-ISSN 2986-3015 · p-ISSN 2986-3791
Issue
Vol.4 No.1 July (2026)
Section
Language Education
Pages
1-9
Article ID
136
Submitted
21-04-2026
Updated
21-07-2026
Language
English
License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
DOI
10.59211/mjpjetl.v4i1.544

Digital Extramural English, Motivation, and VocabularyAcquisition in English as a Foreign Language Contexts

Authors

  • Nabilah fairuz thifal thifal iain langsa
    • Writing – Review & Editing
  • nina afrida
    • mauloeddin afna

      DOI:

      https://doi.org/10.59211/mjpjetl.v4i1.544

      Keywords:

      Informal Digital Learning of English, Extramural English, vocabulary acquisition, motivation, learning styles

      Abstract

      In the digital era, English learning often extends beyond the classroom as students engage with authentic content via social media, online videos, and games. This study investigates how Informal Digital Learning of English (IDLE) and Extramural English (EE) activities foster vocabulary acquisition and motivation among English education students at IAIN Langsa. The researcher employs a qualitative approach, collecting data through semi-structured interviews and observations. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that learning was driven by audiovisual input, a synergy of intrinsic and ideal L2 self-motivation, and mediated by individual learning styles. Despite the prevalence of these behaviors, formal curricula seldom integrate such informal experiences. This research addresses that gap by examining how digital habits influence vocabulary growth and learner autonomy, which aligns with Indonesia's Merdeka Belajar curriculum and its emphasis on self-directed learning. The findings offer pedagogical insights for bridging formal instruction with informal digital practices, making English education more relevant. Conducted during a critical period of digital transformation, this study provides timely contributions to curriculum development and teacher education, empowering learners to harness their daily digital interactions for lifelong language proficiency.

      Authors and contributors

      3

      • Indonesia

        Author Corresponding author

        iain langsa

        • Writing – review & editing

      • Indonesia

        Author

      • Indonesia

        Author

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      References

      [1] J. S. Lee, Informal digital learning of English. cambridge.org, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/informal-digital-learning-of-english/FCE60728F3AAAFA86276FF5487763644?utm_date=20260122%5C&utm_id=1769061190%5C&utm_campaign=Elements,Humanities,IOC,RELI%5C&utm_source=facebook%5C&utm_medium=social%5C&utm_content=

      [2] A. Rezai, A. Soyoof, and B. L. Reynolds, “Effectiveness of informal digital learning of English on EFL learners’ vocabulary knowledge: A mixed-methods investigation,” … Assist. Lang. Learn., 2026, doi: 10.1080/09588221.2024.2350419.

      [3] J. S. Lee, Quantity and diversity of informal digital

      learning of English. scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstreams/051574f9-4f4c-4544-8d26-f5a7a33f1f91/download

      [4] Y. Zhang and G. L. Liu, “Examining the impacts of learner backgrounds, proficiency level, and the use of digital devices on informal digital learning of English: An explanatory mixed-method …,” Comput. Assist. Lang. Learn., 2025, doi: 10.1080/09588221.2023.2267627.

      [5] S. H. Alshammari and O. Alrashidi, “The effects of informal digital learning, intrinsic motivation, and grit on online learning effort regulation and English achievement,” Sci. Rep., 2026, [Online]. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44548-8

      [6] J. S. Lee and L. K. Sylvén, “The role of Informal Digital Learning of English in Korean and Swedish EFL learners’ communication behaviour,” Br. J. Educ. Technol., 2021, doi: 10.1111/bjet.13082.

      [7] N. Indrayani, B. Y. Cahyono, N. Mukminatien, and F. M. Ivone, “Self-Directed Informal Digital Learning of English: Identifying Its Nature and Activities for English Proficiency.,” REFLections, 2024, [Online]. Available: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1440737

      [8] F. N. Maulida, W. Mardiana, and S. Irfan, “exploring teriary students’ experience of informal digital learning of English for boosting English receptive skills,” … J. English Lang. …, 2022, [Online]. Available: https://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/IJELS/article/view/5046

      [9] I. P. I. Kusuma, N. Ningsih, and P. A. K. Juniarta, “Understanding English Learning by EFL Students in Informal Digital Learning of English.,” MEXTESOL J., 2025, [Online]. Available: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1484668

      [10] S. Kurniawati, THE USE OF INFORMAL DIGITAL LEARNING OF ENGLISH (IDLE) BY EFL LEARNERS’IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. eprints.umm.ac.id, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://eprints.umm.ac.id/id/eprint/14698/

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      Published

      09-11-2026 — Updated on 21-07-2026

      Issue

      Vol.4 No.1 July (2026)

      Section

      Language Education

      License

      Copyright (c) 2026 Nabilah fairuz thifal thifal, nina afrida, mauloeddin afna

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      This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

      Authors grant the journal the right of first publication. which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited. Authors are responsible for ensuring that any third-party materials included in their work have proper permissions.

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      References

      11
      1. J. S. Lee, Informal digital learning of English. cambridge.org, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/informal-digital-learning-of-english/FCE60728F3AAAFA86276FF5487763644?utm_date=20260122%5C&utm_id=1769061190%5C&utm_campaign=Elements,Humanities,IOC,RELI%5C&utm_source=facebook%5C&utm_medium=social%5C&utm_content= URL Google Scholar
      2. A. Rezai, A. Soyoof, and B. L. Reynolds, “Effectiveness of informal digital learning of English on EFL learners’ vocabulary knowledge: A mixed-methods investigation,” … Assist. Lang. Learn., 2026, doi: 10.1080/09588221.2024.2350419. DOI Google Scholar
      3. J. S. Lee, Quantity and diversity of informal digital Google Scholar
      4. learning of English. scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/bitstreams/051574f9-4f4c-4544-8d26-f5a7a33f1f91/download URL Google Scholar
      5. Y. Zhang and G. L. Liu, “Examining the impacts of learner backgrounds, proficiency level, and the use of digital devices on informal digital learning of English: An explanatory mixed-method …,” Comput. Assist. Lang. Learn., 2025, doi: 10.1080/09588221.2023.2267627. DOI Google Scholar
      6. S. H. Alshammari and O. Alrashidi, “The effects of informal digital learning, intrinsic motivation, and grit on online learning effort regulation and English achievement,” Sci. Rep., 2026, [Online]. Available: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-44548-8 URL Google Scholar
      7. J. S. Lee and L. K. Sylvén, “The role of Informal Digital Learning of English in Korean and Swedish EFL learners’ communication behaviour,” Br. J. Educ. Technol., 2021, doi: 10.1111/bjet.13082. DOI Google Scholar
      8. N. Indrayani, B. Y. Cahyono, N. Mukminatien, and F. M. Ivone, “Self-Directed Informal Digital Learning of English: Identifying Its Nature and Activities for English Proficiency.,” REFLections, 2024, [Online]. Available: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1440737 URL Google Scholar
      9. F. N. Maulida, W. Mardiana, and S. Irfan, “exploring teriary students’ experience of informal digital learning of English for boosting English receptive skills,” … J. English Lang. …, 2022, [Online]. Available: https://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/IJELS/article/view/5046 URL Google Scholar
      10. I. P. I. Kusuma, N. Ningsih, and P. A. K. Juniarta, “Understanding English Learning by EFL Students in Informal Digital Learning of English.,” MEXTESOL J., 2025, [Online]. Available: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1484668 URL Google Scholar
      11. S. Kurniawati, THE USE OF INFORMAL DIGITAL LEARNING OF ENGLISH (IDLE) BY EFL LEARNERS’IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. eprints.umm.ac.id, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://eprints.umm.ac.id/id/eprint/14698/ URL Google Scholar

      Cite this article

      thifal, N. F. T., nina afrida, & mauloeddin afna (2026). Digital Extramural English, Motivation, and VocabularyAcquisition in English as a Foreign Language Contexts. Journal of Education and Teaching Learning, 4(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.59211/mjpjetl.v4i1.544

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