Reimagining Arabic Imlā’ Instruction in the Digital Era:A Systematic Review of Mobile Learning Innovations

Yanti Kusnawati; Latifah Latifah; Ade Miswandono; AHMAD LUTFI

doi:10.24235/ibtikar.v14i2.22583

Reimagining Arabic Imlā’ Instruction in the Digital Era:A Systematic Review of Mobile Learning Innovations

Yanti Kusnawati^(1*), Latifah Latifah⁽²⁾, Ade Miswandono⁽³⁾, AHMAD LUTFI⁽⁴⁾,

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA framework to investigate the effectiveness of mobile learning applications in improving Imlā’ (Arabic orthographic accuracy) within Arabic Language Education. Twenty-five peer-reviewed studies were analyzed to evaluate how mobile-based platforms—such as Al-Quran.info, Memrise, Quran Companion, and Learning Management Systems (LMS)—support the acquisition of essential orthographic features, including tasydīd, harakāt, hamzah usage, and syntactic coherence. The review reveals that mobile learning technologies, through automated exercises, instant feedback, handwriting simulations, and adaptive scaffolding, significantly enhance students’ writing accuracy, learning motivation, and accessibility to instructional content, particularly in distance and blended learning environments. The findings further highlight the importance of aligning mobile learning tools with curriculum standards, promoting inclusive and accessible design, and strengthening educators’ digital pedagogical competencies. By integrating linguistic pedagogy with emerging mobile technologies, this study contributes to the advancement of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL) in non-Western and multilingual educational contexts. The review also identifies the need for longitudinal and large-scale empirical studies to evaluate the sustainability, scalability, and long-term instructional impact of mobile-assisted Imlā learning.

Keywords

mobile learning; Imlā’; Arabic writing skills; systematic literature review; digital curriculum; distance education; MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning)

Full Text:

PDF

References

-, Maradapu Sai Ravindra, and Kandhati Tulasi Krishna Kumar -. 2023. “Java Script Powered Web Based Speech to Text Converter.” International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research 5(2). doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i02.1957.

Al-Sabbagh, Khaled Walid, Linda Bradley, and Lorna Bartram. 2019. “Mobile Language Learning Applications for Arabic Speaking Migrants – a Usability Perspective.” Language Learning in Higher Education 9(1): 71–95. doi:10.1515/cercles-2019-0004.

Alsubaie, Merfat Ayesh. 2022. “Impacts of Technology in Learning: Mobile Typing Applications for Writing and Accomplishing Academic Tasks among Arabic-Speaking Undergraduate Students.” Education Sciences 12(12): 891. doi:10.3390/educsci12120891.

Andarwati, Lilis Dwi, Erlina, Koderi, and Sulthan Syahril. 2023. “Learning Arabic Using Moodle Application Based E-Learning for Madrasah Aliyah│Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Dengan Menggunakan E-Learning Berbasis Aplikasi Moodle Untuk Madrasah Aliyah.” Mantiqu Tayr: Journal of Arabic Language 3(2): 102–19. doi:10.25217/mantiqutayr.v3i2.3396.

Azarian, Mathew, Hao Yu, Asmamaw Tadege Shiferaw, and Tor Kristian Stevik. 2023. “Do We Perform Systematic Literature Review Right? A Scientific Mapping and Methodological Assessment.” Logistics 7(4). doi:10.3390/logistics7040089.

Bergenholtz, Carsten, Jacob Busch, and Sara Kier Praëm. 2021. “Exclusion Criteria in Experimental Philosophy.” Erkenntnis 86(6): 1531–45. doi:10.1007/s10670-019-00168-5.

Bodendorfer, Blake M., Thomas D. Alter, Dominic S. Carreira, Andrew B. Wolff, Benjamin R. Kivlan, John J. Christoforetti, John P. Salvo, Dean K. Matsuda, and Shane J. Nho. 2022. “Multicenter Outcomes After Primary Hip Arthroscopy: A Comparative Analysis of Two-Year Outcomes After Labral Repair, Segmental Labral Reconstruction, or Circumferential Labral Reconstruction.” Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery 38(2): 352–61. doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2021.05.013.

Burke, Paul F., Sandy Schuck, Kevin Burden, and Matthew Kearney. 2025. “Mediating Learning with Mobile Devices through Pedagogical Innovation: Teachers’ Perceptions of K-12 Students’ Learning Experiences.” Computers & Education 227: 105226. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2024.105226.

Choi-Lundberg, Derek L., Kerryn Butler-Henderson, Kristyn Harman, and Joseph Crawford. 2023. “A Systematic Review of Digital Innovations in Technology-Enhanced Learning Designs in Higher Education.” Australasian Journal of Educational Technology: 133–62. doi:10.14742/ajet.7615.

Chong, Sin Wang, Lin Ting Jun, and Yulu Chen. 2021. “A Methodological Review of Systematic Literature Reviews in Higher Education: Heterogeneity and Homogeneity.” doi:10.31219/osf.io/jn84b.

van Dinter, Raymon, Bedir Tekinerdogan, and Cagatay Catal. 2021. “Automation of Systematic Literature Reviews: A Systematic Literature Review.” Information and Software Technology 136. doi:10.1016/j.infsof.2021.106589.

Elshareif, Elgilani, and Elfadil A. Mohamed. 2021. “The Effects of E-Learning on Students’ Motivation to Learn in Higher Education.” Online Learning Journal 25(3): 128–43. doi:10.24059/olj.v25i3.2336.

Firdaus, Ferry Maulana, and Muhammad Tareh Aziz. 2024. “Pemanfaatan Aplikasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab: Mengubah Cara Belajar Di Era Digital.” Journal of Practice Learning and Educational Development 4(4). doi:10.58737/jpled.v4i4.312.

Harari, Michael B., Heather R. Parola, Christopher J. Hartwell, and Amy Riegelman. 2020. “Literature Searches in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: A Review, Evaluation, and Recommendations.” Journal of Vocational Behavior 118: 103377. doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2020.103377.

Jamal, Amani Tariq, Nahla Aljojo, Morooj Saleh Al-Ghamdi, Bashayer Abdulhakeem Hindi, Mashael Khaled Al-Ghanmi, Shaima Yassin Al-Jahdali, Baraa Mostafa Karam, and Talah Fahad Abualaja. 2020. “The Akeffa Tutor Application: A New Arabic Writing System.” International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies 14(2): 62–83. doi:10.3991/ijim.v14i02.11727.

Jurs, Pavels, and Elita Špehte. 2021. “The Role of Feedback in the Distance Learning Process.” Journal of Teacher Education for Sustainability 23(2): 91–105. doi:10.2478/jtes-2021-0019.

Kamal, Muhammad, Mohammad Sarip, Andri Ilham, and Siti Jubaedah. 2025. “Compiling E-Learning Kitabah Muqoyyadah Teaching Materials through the CEFR.” 8(1). doi:10.17509/alsuniyat.v8i1.73520.

Loewen, Shawn, Dustin Crowther, Daniel R. Isbell, Kathy Minhye Kim, Jeffrey Maloney, Zachary F. Miller, and Hima Rawal. 2019. “Mobile-Assisted Language Learning: A Duolingo Case Study.” ReCALL 31(3): 293–311. doi:10.1017/S0958344019000065.

Mat Isa, Nurul Husna, Noor Hazirah Abd Aziz, Mariyah Ishak, Wan Azani Mustafa, and Mohd Nizho Abd Rahman. 2024. “Quran Mobile Application: A Structured Review.” Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology 34(2): 117–32. doi:10.37934/araset.34.2.117132.

Moher, David, Alessandro Liberati, Jennifer Tetzlaff, and Douglas G. Altman. 2010. “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement.” International Journal of Surgery 8(5): 336–41. doi:10.1016/j.ijsu.2010.02.007.

Noyes, Jane, Andrew Booth, Kate Flemming, Ruth Garside, Angela Harden, Simon Lewin, Tomas Pantoja, et al. 2018. “Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group Guidance Series—Paper 3: Methods for Assessing Methodological Limitations, Data Extraction and Synthesis, and Confidence in Synthesized Qualitative Findings.” Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 97: 49–58. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.06.020.

Nurbayan, Yayan, Anwar Sanusi, Neneng Sri Wulan, and Zawawi Bin Ismail. 2024. “Pedagogical Competence Design: Arabic Teaching as a Foreign Language Based on a Praxeological Approach.” 7(2). doi:10.17509/alsuniyat.v7i2.73132.

Nurstalis, Raihan, Tatang Tatang, and Rinaldi Supriadi. 2024. “Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Typing Test Sebagai Sarana Peningkatan Kemampuan Menulis Digital Teks Arab / Design of Typing Test Application as a Means of Improving Arabic Text Digital Writing Skills.” Loghat Arabi : Jurnal Bahasa Arab dan Pendidikan Bahasa Arab 5(1): 135. doi:10.36915/la.v5i1.237.

Orochi, Orlunwo Placida, and Ledisi Giok Kabari. 2021. 183 International Journal of Computer Applications Text-to-Speech Recognition Using Google API. www.ijcaonline.org.

Oumaima, Zine, Meziane Abdelouafi, and El Hadi Meryem. 2018. “Text-to-Speech Technology for Arabic Language Learners.” In 2018 IEEE 5th International Congress on Information Science and Technology (CiSt), IEEE, 432–36. doi:10.1109/CIST.2018.8596372.

Page, Matthew J., Joanne E. McKenzie, Patrick M. Bossuyt, Isabelle Boutron, Tammy C. Hoffmann, Cynthia D. Mulrow, Larissa Shamseer, et al. 2021. “The PRISMA 2020 Statement: An Updated Guideline for Reporting Systematic Reviews.” Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 134: 178–89. doi:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.03.001.

Rethlefsen, Melissa L., Shona Kirtley, Siw Waffenschmidt, Ana Patricia Ayala, David Moher, Matthew J. Page, Jonathan B. Koffel, et al. 2021. “PRISMA-S: An Extension to the PRISMA Statement for Reporting Literature Searches in Systematic Reviews.” Systematic Reviews 10(1). doi:10.1186/s13643-020-01542-z.

Rohman, Taufikur. 2018. “ANALISIS SEMANTIK: POLISEMI VERBA QᾹMA DALAM AL-QUR’AN.” ALSUNIYAT: Jurnal Penelitian Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Arab 1(2): 98–111. doi:10.17509/alsuniyat.v1i2.23552.

Rozi, Fahrur. 2020. Jurnal Sistem Cerdas Systematic Literature Review Pada Analisis Prediktif Dengan IoT: Tren Riset, Metode, Dan Arsitektur.

Shi, Zijuan, Gaofeng Luo, and Le He. 2017. “Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Using WeChat Instant Messaging.” International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET) 12(02): 16. doi:10.3991/ijet.v12i02.6681.

Siti Pupu Fauziah, R., Berliana Kartakusumah, Irman Suherman, Martin Roestamy, Abraham Yazdi Martin, and Nova Monaya. 2023. “How to Improve Healthy Environment in Urban School Climate (USC) by Communication Language Strategies? Arabic Based Communication Language and Statistic Description Analysis.” International Journal of Language Education 7(4): 780–91. doi:10.26858/ijole.v7i4.59495.

Tóth, Árpád, Alex Suta, Jean Pimentel, and Andres Argoti. 2023. “A Comprehensive, Semi-Automated Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Design: Application to P-Graph Research with a Focus on Sustainability.” Journal of Cleaner Production 415: 137741. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137741.

Ulum, Fatkhul. 2018. “Asālīb Tadrīs Al-Imlā Li Gair Nāṭiqīn Bi al-Arabiyyah.” ALSINATUNA 4(1): 124. doi:10.28918/alsinatuna.v4i1.1595.

Uribe, Samantha N., and Michelle Vaughan. 2017. “Facilitating Student Learning in Distance Education: A Case Study on the Development and Implementation of a Multifaceted Feedback System.” Distance Education 38(3): 288–301. doi:10.1080/01587919.2017.1369005.

Wihidayat, Endar Suprih, Yuniati Dwi Utami, and Aris Budianto. 2018. “Learn Arabic Language App, Mobile Based Application for Self-Directed Learning.” In 2018 4th International Conference on Education and Technology (ICET), IEEE, 13–17. doi:10.1109/ICEAT.2018.8693934.

DOI: 10.24235/ibtikar.v14i2.22583