Design-Based Research for Virtual Learning: A Holistic Perspective on the Pedagogical and Contextual Factors of Interactive Mobile Technology on English Learners

The purpose of this design-based research study was to provide a holistic perspective on the pedagogical and contextual factors of interactive mobile technology on English learners and investigate the theoretical potential of audio-video software interventions for second language acquisition. Specifically, the study explored current virtual technologies for 2nd through 5th grade English learners designed to model face to-face EL instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing prolonged school closures. After evaluating three cycles of interventions founded on Stephen Krashen’s and Lev Vygotsky’s language learning theories and utilizing a teacher survey and researcher observations, the study identified an onslaught of key takeaways including the need for investment to establish necessary infrastructure, ed-tech policies and standards, and comprehensive pedagogical frameworks to effectively operationalize virtual learning curriculum and leverage best practices of interactive mobile technology. The study discusses the impact of the sudden shift to virtual contexts and provides suggestions for overcoming challenges in educational technology to move beyond surface levels of integration within the computer-assisted language learning contexts.