The evolution of online extensive reading and web-based platforms in EFL/ESL - A narrative review of impacts, challenges, and future directions

Oct 15, 2026

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Engagement in extensive reading (ER) on the internet provides learners with unparalleled access to diverse digital resources, positioning online extensive reading (OER) as a transformative extension of traditional ER practices. OER combines ER principles with modern technology affordances, enabling interactivity, multimedia features, and adaptive tools that support reading proficiency, vocabulary growth, and sustained motivation. Over 2014–2024, this narrative review synthesises 43 peer-reviewed studies, showing OER’s impact on engagement and autonomy while highlighting barriers such as technical support limits, progress tracking issues, and digital literacy disparities. Recommendations target infrastructure, digital literacy training, and ongoing educator professional development.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Challenges and implementation issues

Research gaps and need for review

Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics ISSN 2209-0959 [https://www.castledown.com/journals/ajal/](https://www.castledown.com/journals/ajal/) Australian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 8 (1), 102592 (2025) [https://doi.org/10.29140/ajal.v8n1.102592](https://doi.org/10.29140/ajal.v8n1.102592) The evolution of online extensive reading and web-based platforms in EFL/ESL: A narrative review of impacts, challenges, and future directions AMINE OUNISSIa RAIHANA ROMLYa(Corresponding author) AZZA JAUHAR AHMAD TAJUDDINa MD. KAMRUL HASANb aCentre for Foundation and Continuing Education, University Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia b Department of English, United International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Abstract Engagement in extensive reading (ER) on the internet provides learners with unparalleled access to diverse digital resources, positioning online extensive reading (OER) as a transformative extension of traditional ER practices. OER combines the principles of ER with the affordances of modern technology, offering interactivity, multimedia features, and adaptive tools that foster reading proficiency, vocabulary growth, and motivation. This paper thoroughly reviews OER’s development and its impact on English as a foreign language/English as a second language (EFL/ESL) education over the past decade (2014– 2024), analysing 43 peer-reviewed studies from Scopus and Web of Science. Adopting a narrative review methodology, this study utilises a structured literature matrix to synthesise the findings, critically analyse, and evaluate the key data from diverse research studies, offering a comprehensive understanding of OER’s pedagogical implications. The findings demonstrate that OER significantly enhances learners’ engagement and autonomy, particularly when integrated with interactive platforms. However, challenges such as inadequate technical support, progress tracking difficulties, and digital literacy disparities hinder its full potential. To address these barriers, this paper advises policymakers to strengthen digital infrastructure, invest in digital literacy programmes, and provide ongoing professional development for educators. Expanding access to graded online reading materials and overcoming these challenges will enable OER to integrate effortlessly into modern educational ecosystems, enhancing language-learning outcomes, fostering engagement, and promoting autonomy in digital environments. Keywords: extensive reading; online extensive reading; EFL/ESL learners; web-based platforms; impacts; challenges; future research directions Copyright © 2025 Amine Ounissi, Raihana Romly, Azza Jauhar Ahmad Tajuddin & Md. Kamrul Hasan Introduction Background Over the past two decades, extensive reading (ER) has been the subject of comprehensive investigation and has been firmly established as an effective instructional approach in English language learning (Ateek, 2023) . Renowned for its pivotal role in enhancing reading skills, enriching vocabulary acquisition, and boosting motivation among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL), ER stands as an indispensable approach to language acquisition, promoting both active engagement and comprehension (Beglar & Hunt, 2014; Day & Bamford, 1998; Grabe, 2008; Meniado, 2021; Nation, 2009) . Recent advancements in digital and online technologies have transformed EFL/ESL learners’engagement in OER with diverse reading materials as digital platforms now enable interaction with highly accessible and interactive resources (Timotheou et al., 2023) . Online extensive reading (OER), a digital adaptation of traditional ER practices, has garnered significant scholarly interest for its potential to optimise language-learning outcomes (Nation & Waring, 2020) . OER emphasises reading extensive content online for pleasure and comprehension, aiming primarily to develop language skills and instil a sustained love for reading (Suk, 2017) .

FAQs

What does online extensive reading (OER) contribute to EFL/ESL education?

OER extends traditional extensive reading by using digital resources and technology affordances, fostering engagement, vocabulary growth, and motivation. It also supports reading proficiency and learner autonomy, especially when paired with interactive platforms.

Which challenges limit the full potential of OER programs?

Key challenges include inadequate technical support, difficulties in tracking learners’ progress, and disparities in digital literacy. Managing OER platforms and limited selections of graded materials for adult learners also hinder implementation.

How does this paper synthesize evidence about OER impacts from 2014 to 2024?

It uses a narrative review methodology with a structured literature matrix to analyse and evaluate data from 43 peer-reviewed studies indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. The synthesis focuses on pedagogical implications, impacts, challenges, and future directions.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by Kurz