Research Article

Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study

Volume: 23 Number: 1 April 24, 2026
TR EN

Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study

Abstract

Electronic dictionaries are important tools for enhancing vocabulary among foreign language learners. This research investigates Turkish EFL preparatory students' perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of using electronic dictionaries (EDs) in English preparatory classes. Adopting a case study, the study involved 30 students aged 18 to 24 enrolled in an English preparatory program. Data were gathered through participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Participant observations were carried out over a two-month period using an observation form to systematically record students’ electronic dictionary use during classroom activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the end of the data collection period to gain in-depth insights into participants’ experiences and perceptions of electronic dictionary use. Thematic analysis revealed that 90% of the students preferred electronic dictionaries for vocabulary development. Also, students highlighted four primary advantages of EDs: time efficiency (38.10%), voiced pronunciation (30.95%), comprehensiveness (23.81%), and easy accessibility (7.14%). However, they also identified several disadvantages, including distraction (58.62%), lower retention of learned vocabulary (27.59%), and dependency on internet access (13.79%). Based on the widespread preference for electronic dictionaries, the study suggests that teachers can allow the usage of electronic dictionaries inside the EFL classrooms on condition of closely monitoring to prevent distractions.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Other Fields of Education (Other), Educational Technology and Computing

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 24, 2026

Submission Date

October 22, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 23 Number: 1

APA
Aslan, M. (2026). Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 23(1), 147-170. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1808855
AMA
1.Aslan M. Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23(1):147-170. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1808855
Chicago
Aslan, Mehmet. 2026. “Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23 (1): 147-70. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1808855.
EndNote
Aslan M (April 1, 2026) Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23 1 147–170.
IEEE
[1]M. Aslan, “Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study”, Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 147–170, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.33711/yyuefd.1808855.
ISNAD
Aslan, Mehmet. “Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 23/1 (April 1, 2026): 147-170. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1808855.
JAMA
1.Aslan M. Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;23:147–170.
MLA
Aslan, Mehmet. “Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study”. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, vol. 23, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 147-70, doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1808855.
Vancouver
1.Mehmet Aslan. Classroom-Based Use of Electronic Dictionaries by Turkish EFL Preparatory Students: A Qualitative Case Study. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Apr. 1;23(1):147-70. doi:10.33711/yyuefd.1808855