The effects of using digital flashcards versus paper flashcards on vocabulary learning and retention of Iranian intermediate EFL learners

The present study investigated the effect of two vocabulary learning treatments, namely digital flashcards method and paper flashcards method, in comparison with a conventional vocabulary learning treatment, namely words list method, on the learning and retention of target vocabulary items by a group of Iranian intermediate EFL learners, who were 13–15 years of age. For this purpose, we have selected 90 intermediate EFL learners and randomly assigned them to two experimental groups (n = 60) and a control group (n = 30). The first experimental group received vocabulary instruction through digital flashcards while the second experimental group underwent vocabulary instruction through paper flashcards. The control group followed the conventional vocabulary learning treatment through words list. Results of the repeated measures ANOVA revealed that although the two vocabulary learning treatments improved the EFL learners' vocabulary learning and retention from the pretest to the delayed posttest, the only statistically effective method in terms of the participant's vocabulary learning and retention was the digital flashcards method. The implications and directions for future research are also provided at the end.