Digital Literacy of English Language Teachers in EFL Contexts: The Necessity of Teachers’ Development in the Digital World

Author
School of Foreign Languages, Yinchuan University of Energy, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750000, China
Abstract
Digital technologies have significantly reshaped the landscape of language education, influencing both pedagogical practices and teacher professional development. This review article investigates the role of English language teachers’ digital literacy in enhancing teaching efficiency by synthesizing findings from recent empirical and theoretical studies. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and academic reports published over the past decade, the review explores how digital competence contributes to instructional effectiveness, classroom engagement, and ongoing teacher growth. The literature was systematically selected based on relevance, publication quality, and thematic focus on digital literacy and language education. The synthesis reveals that teachers with higher digital literacy are better equipped to integrate educational technologies, adapt to dynamic learning environments, and foster more interactive and learner-centered classrooms. The review highlights the growing importance of digital skills in teacher development and calls for structured digital literacy training in language teacher education programs.

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Available Online from 16 September 2025