This research is using the systematic literature review (SLR) method to comprehensively explore the
role of technology in improving English as a foreign language (EFL) speaking skills of junior high
school students. This study is a qualitative literature review that will analyze data from many sources
to provide insights. The qualitative literature review aims to gather, assess, and synthesize existing
knowledge on the use of technology to improve language abilities in education (Siminto, 2023). A
systematic literature review is a secondary research method that aims to identify, disseminate, and
interpret all relevant research evidence to answer a particular research question (Pettcrew &
Roberts, 2006). This allows researchers to discover things that have not been researched further and
provides a more complete understanding of the issues raised. This review study aimed to assess the
effectiveness of technology in language education, explore patterns in recent efforts to improve
language learning, and identify effective ways to use technology. The data collection technique in
this research is through secondary data tracing. Secondary data that has been collected by other
researchers for different purposes (Bryman, 2012). In the context of this SLR, secondary data is in the
form of research articles that are relevant to the topic of the role of technology in learning English
speaking skills. In the context of a systematic literature review, relevant secondary data were
identified through a structured search of other online sources.
The first stage of the research is to formulate a clear specific research problem, namely identifying
the role of technology in improving EFL students’ speaking ability at the junior high school level.
Furthermore, a systematic literature search was conducted using predetermined keywords in
various databases such as Google Scholar, and Garuda Kemdikbud. In this research, the data analysis
technique used is the thematic analysis approach. Because it can recognise, examine, and present
patterns or themes that surface from the literature review's findings, this thematic analysis is
employed. This approach has successfully identified patterns and trends in earlier research and is
especially appropriate for qualitative studies concentrating on systematic reviews like this one
(Nowell et al., 2017). Furthermore, the validity of the analysis process was reinforced through the
application of the SALSA (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis) technique. The SALSA
framework offers methodical direction for finding, evaluating, combining, and carefully examining
data (Grant & Booth, 2009). This analysis technique is correct to use because it was used to analyse
student in French classes in case to examine role of technology on improving SLA speaking skills
(Warschauer & Meskill, n.d.). The technology was used to improving student SLA speaking skills by
using computer website, application and using audiotape. In the research, audiotape was the perfect
media for the audiolingual method that emphasized learning through oral repetitive material to
make to student learn more and improving speaking capabilities. The previous decade has seen
remarkable growth in Information Technology (IT), resulting in a media revolution and social
transformations in daily life. English is now widely used as a lingua franca for communication among
people with diverse first languages. In today's technology-driven societies, learning and using
English has become increasingly important due to its global reach. To meet learners' expectations
and requirements, teachers and researchers must develop a variety of approaches and resources, in
addition to providing great learning environments (Aisha Annet, 2024). The research key words used
include combinations of terms such as “technology,” “second language acquisition,” “speaking
skills,” “junior high school,” “digital tools,” and “mobile-assisted language learning.” This
comprehensive search strategy aimed to identify as many studies as possible that were relevant to
the research focus. The inclusion-exclusion criteria applied to the relevant articles are presented in
Table 1.
Table 1. The inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria Exclusion criteria
Articles published in the Sinta and Scopus Research papers (theses or dissertations)
database
Articles published in 2010-2025 Conference Paper
Articles are open-accessed The role of technology in EFL student junior high
schools
Articles written in English
The researchers selected the following publications for the study based on the inclusion and
exclusion criteria provided in Table 1 and searched 40 articles. Table 2 shows the ten chosen
articles.
Author (Years) Title
Anisah Firly Chaniago & Benni Ichsanda Rahman English Speaking Skill through Rosetta Stone
HZ (2024) Application at Junior High School: Students’
Voices.
A Study on Mobile Learning in English Speaking
of Chinese Junior High School Students
Wen Ji (2023)
Computer- vs. Mobile-Assisted Learning to
Promote EFL Students’ Speaking Skills: A
Preliminary Classroom-Based Research.
Wen Ji (2023) A Study on Mobile Learning in English Speaking
of Chinese Junior High School Students
Computer- vs. Mobile-Assisted Learning to
Promote EFL Students’ Speaking Skills: A
Preliminary Classroom-Based Research.
Teaching Speaking Skills through Project-Based
Learning for the Eighth Graders of Junior High
School
Alfatihah, Devi Ismayanti, Andi Tenrisanna Syam
& Rustan Santiara (2022)
Develop Children’s Speaking Skill with The Help
of The Android Application “Learn English For
Junior High School
Ulfa Wulan Agustina & Khairunnisa Nur
Muslimah (2021)
The contributions of smartphone applications in
supporting junior high school students’ learning
activities.
Anggun Fitriana Dewi, Sumardi & Ngadiso (2021)
The Use of Digital Feedback on ELSA Speak in
Learning Pronunciation for Seventh Grade of
Junior High School
Enni Erawati Saragih, Nur’aini Putri Tabrani & Junior High School Students’ Difficulties of
Nur Muthmainnah (2021) English Language Learning in the Speaking and
Listening Section
Alan Jaelani & Olivia Widad Zabidi (2020)
Chun Lai, Xiao Hu & Boning Lyu (2018) Understanding the nature of learners’ out-of-
class language learning experience with
technology
The use of technology in english language
Mohammad Reza Ahmadi (2018) learning : A literature review.
The effects of beliefs about language learning
and learning strategy use of junior high school
Ching-yi Chang & Ming-chang Shen (2010) EFL learners in remote districts.