The Effects of E-Books Towards Pupils’ Vocabulary-A Literature Review

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Globalization 4.0, has demonstrated the significance and importance of digital technology in various sectors, including education. This revolution has led to the rise of Education 4.0, which advocates for a student-centred, technology-driven, and future-oriented approach to education. The Malaysian education system has responded to this paradigm shift with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025. This blueprint focuses on 21st-century skills, aiming to develop pupils' communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and ethical values. The English Language Education Roadmap for Malaysia 2015-2025 complements the education blueprint by elevating English teaching and learning standards to ensure Malaysians can compete globally. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain in vocabulary acquisition among young learners. Early exposure to English is crucial for building a solid foundation in the language. However, many pupils face limitations due to environmental factors, such as speaking their mother tongue at home and lacking opportunities to engage with English in natural contexts. Socioeconomic factors also play a significant role, with children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often demonstrating weaker vocabulary skills. Traditional learning methods can be monotonous and unengaging, making vocabulary learning a chore for pupils. To address these challenges, it is essential to incorporate interactive and engaging teaching methods that cater to individual learning paces and preferences. With multimedia elements and interactive features, E-books offer a promising solution by making vocabulary learning more engaging and effective. In conclusion, the study aims to contribute to vocabulary acquisition and ESL research by exploring the literature review of e-books in enhancing vocabulary learning among young learners in Malaysia. The findings are expected to inform teachers, language experts, and policymakers in refining vocabulary teaching approaches and improving English language education.