REDESIGNING THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM THROUGH DIGITAL LITERACY INTEGRATION: PREPARING LEARNERS FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATION

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed the objectives and pedagogical orientations of English language curricula worldwide. This study investigates how integrating digital literacy into English language education enhances communicative competence, critical thinking, and learner autonomy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 150 English teachers and 280 senior high school students from Indonesia and Malaysia. Quantitative data were gathered through surveys on teachers’ and students’ perceptions of digital literacy-based learning, while qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Findings revealed that embedding digital literacy within the English curriculum fosters student engagement, creativity, and collaborative learning. However, barriers such as limited digital infrastructure, lack of teacher training, and unequal access remain significant. The study concludes that a contextually responsive English curriculum that incorporates digital literacy can bridge the gap between linguistic competence and 21st-century communication demands.