Alvin O. Holoyohoy^1,, Valentina A. Pallo¹

Vocabulary development is a critical component of language learning as it directly influences students’ reading comprehension, communication skills, and overall academic performance. Despite national efforts to improve literacy and integrate digital technologies in education, many senior high school students in the Philippines continue to struggle with limited vocabulary knowledge. This study examined the effectiveness of selected digital vocabulary tools—Quizlet, Duolingo, Memrise, and Italki—in improving the vocabulary skills of senior high school students in Cagayan de Oro City and explored how these tools may inform strategic educational planning for vocabulary instruction. The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design involving 150 Grade 12 students from six public secondary schools. Participants were divided into four experimental groups, each assigned to a specific digital vocabulary tool, and one control group that received traditional vocabulary instruction. The Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT) was used to measure students’ vocabulary proficiency before and after a four-week intervention period. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, while qualitative insights were gathered through student feedback questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with teachers and administrators. Results revealed that all experimental groups demonstrated significant improvement in vocabulary scores from pre-test to post-test. Among the digital tools, Italki produced the highest mean gain, followed closely by Memrise, Quizlet, and Duolingo. Post-test results also showed that students who used digital vocabulary tools achieved significantly higher vocabulary scores than those in the control group. Qualitative findings indicated that students perceived the tools as engaging, interactive, and supportive of vocabulary learning, while teachers and administrators highlighted their potential for enhancing language instruction despite challenges related to internet connectivity and access to devices. The findings suggest that integrating digital vocabulary tools into classroom instruction can significantly enhance students’ vocabulary acquisition and engagement. The study recommends structured integration of digital tools, strengthened teacher training, and improved digital infrastructure to support sustainable implementation. These results provide empirical evidence that can guide curriculum enhancement and strategic educational planning for technology-supported vocabulary instruction in Philippine senior high schools.

digital vocabulary tools, vocabulary development, Quizlet, Duolingo, Memrise, Italki, senior high school, strategic educational planning, Philippines