Innovations in Language Education in the Digital Era: Integrating AI, Pedagogy, and Cross-Cultural Learning in the 21st Century
Date Published : 6 November 2025
Contributors
Della Rahmayani
Author
Azzahra Sindhi Latifa
Author
Muhammad Nabil Fahmi
Author
Miftahul Rohmah
Author
Keywords
Systematic Literature Review
Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC)
Digital literacy
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Collaborative storytelling.
Proceeding
Track
General Track
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Conference on Cultures & Languages
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The digital era has transformed language education, demanding not only linguistic proficiency but also the integration of digital literacy and intercultural communicative competence (ICC). This study addresses the fragmented nature of previous research by conducting a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to analyze innovations in technology-enhanced language learning. The research aims to synthesize existing insights to propose a holistic pedagogical model. The study is grounded in three key frameworks: Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), digital literacy, and Byram's model of ICC, with an emphasis on the catalytic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The methodology involved a thematic analysis of international journals, conference proceedings, academic books, and official reports. The data collection and selection process adhered to a rigorous SLR protocol to ensure consistency and reproducibility. The findings reveal three main themes: (1) Pedagogical innovations often lack cohesive integration of digital practices and ICC; (2) Digital tools are widely used in higher education, yet ICC development remains underdeveloped; and (3) AI significantly enhances digital literacy and intercultural collaboration, but teacher intervention is crucial to overcome its dialogical limitations. Based on these findings, the study proposes a digital collaborative storytelling model that integrates CLT, digital literacy, ICC, and AI. This model offers an innovative approach to foster interactive, reflective, and culturally meaningful language learning. The research contributes to developing a more holistic, adaptive, and sustainable 21st-century language pedagogy.
References
Adeniyi-Egbeola, F. O., Achike, K. J., & Bello, Y. (2021). Teachers’ Knowledge and Practices in Using Digital Literacy in Enhancing Communicative Competence in the English as a Second Language Class. Journal for Language Teaching, 55(1), 37–55. https://doi.org/10.4314/jlt.v55i1.2
Al Khateeb, A. A., & Hassan, M. (2023). Initiating Intercultural Communicative Competence through Telecollaboration: A Case of Language-Exchange Classrooms of Arabic and English. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 10(4), 175–192. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1718
Alhusaiyan, E. (2025). A systematic review of current trends in artificial intelligence in foreign language learning. Saudi Journal of Language Studies, 5(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1108/SJLS-07-2024-0039
Anwar, H. F., & Syaputra, E. (2022). Inovasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Melalui Pendekatan Proses. Jurnal Multidisiplin Dehasen (MUDE), 1(3). https://doi.org/10.37676/mude.v1i3.2330
Arasaratnam-Smith, L. A. (2020). Developing global graduates: essentials and possibilities. Research in Comparative and International Education, 15(1), 20–26. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745499920901945
Arfiandhani, P., & Suraya, F. (2021). Pre-Service English as a Foreign (EFL) Teachers’ Intercultural Communicative Competence Development During Their Study Abroad Program. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Innovation 2020–Social, Humanity, and Education (ICoSIHESS 2020). https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210120.152
Bahari, A., Han, F., & Strzelecki, A. (2025). Integrating CALL and AIALL for an interactive pedagogical model of language learning. Education and Information Technologies, 30, 14305–14333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13388-w
Batunan, D., Kweldju, S., & Wulyani, A. N. (2023). Portraying Indonesian EFL Teachers’ Perceptions and Teaching Practices on Intercultural Communicative Competence (pp. 56–65). https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-038-1_7
Biletska, I. O., Paladieva, A. F., Avchinnikova, H. D., & Kazak, Y. Y. (2021). The use of modern technologies by foreign language teachers: developing digital skills. Linguistics and Culture Review, 5(S2), 16–27. https://doi.org/10.21744/lingcure.v5nS2.1327
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Brown, C. W., & Alford, J. (2023). Critical literacy in the language classroom: Possibilities for intercultural learning through symbolic competence. Intercultural Communication Education, 6(2), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.29140/ice.v6n2.1020
Byram, M. (2021). Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence: Revisited (2nd ed.). Multilingual Matters. https://doi.org/10.21832/BYRAM0244
Çalışkan, E. F., & Ulaş, A. H. (2022). The Effect of Parent-Involved Reading Activities On Primary School Students Reading Comprehension Skills, Reading Motivation, and Attitudes Towards Reading. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 14(4), 509–524. https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2022.260
Castro-Schez, J. J., Glez-Morcillo, C., Albusac, J., & Vallejo, D. (2020). An intelligent tutoring system for supporting active learning: A case study on predictive parsing learning. Information Sciences, 544(2021), 446–468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ins.2020.08.079
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Destari, D. (2023). Pendidikan Global di Era Digital: Transformasi dalam Skala Internasional. Jurnal Pendidikan West Science, 01(08), 538–553. https://doi.org/10.58812/jpdws.v1i08.602
Drajati, N. A., Tan, L., Tyarakanita, A., & Wijaya, S. A. (2023). Digital storytelling projects in developing Indonesian EFL pre-service teachers’ metasemiotic awareness and professional competence. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 13(2), 392–406. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v13i2.63084
Ertay, Z., & Gilanlioglu, I. (2024). The Development and Validation of an Intercultural Communicative Competence Scale for Students. Sage Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241252495
Fantini, A. E., & Tirmizi, A. (2006). Exploring and Assessing Intercultural Competence. https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=worldlearning_publications
Firlana, H. (2025). Dampak Transformasi Digital Terhadap Manajemen the Impact of Digital Transformation on Human Resource. TEMATICS: Technology Management and Informatics Research Journals, 7(1), 49–59. https://journal.poltekim.ac.id/tematics/article/view/714
Gilster, P. (1997). Digital Literacy. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Godwin-Jones, R. (2019). Telecollaboration as an approach to developing intercultural communication competence. Language Learning & Technology, 23(3), 8–28. https://doi.org/10.64152/10125/44691
Gong, Y. F., Lai, C., Gao, X. (Andy), Li, G., Huang, Y., & Lin, L. (2022). Teacher cognition in teaching intercultural communicative competence: A qualitative study on preservice Chinese language teachers in Hong Kong SAR, China. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939516
Guillén-Yparrea, N., & Ramírez-Montoya, M. S. (2023). Intercultural Competencies in Higher Education:a systematic review from 2016 to 2021. Cogent Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2167360
Hasumi, T., & Chiu, M.-S. (2024). Technology-enhanced language learning in English language education: Performance analysis, core publications, and emerging trends. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2346044
Jianzheng, S., & Xuwei, Z. (2023). Integration of AI with Higher Education Innovation: Reforming Future Educational Directions. International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), 12(10), 1727–1731. https://doi.org/10.21275/SR231023183401
Kahanurak, S., Dibyamandala, J., & Mangkhang, C. (2023). Digital Storytelling and Intercultural Communicative Competence through English as a Foreign Language for Multilingual Learners. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 12(1), 14. https://doi.org/10.5430/jct.v12n1p14
Karatza, S. (2022). The “Multimodal Literacy in the EFL Classroom” Workshop as a Design for Learning. Designs for Learning, 14(1), 112. https://doi.org/10.16993/dfl.188
Kazykhankyzy, L., & Alagözlü, N. (2019). Developing and Validating a Scale to Measure Turkish and Kazakhstani ELT Pre-Service Teachers’ Intercultural Communicative Competence. International Journal of Instruction, 12(1), 931–946. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2019.12160a
Kusumaningrum, S. R., Dewi, R. S. I., Mardhatillah, M., Pristiani, R., Rizal, M. S., & Mustakim, S. S. (2024). Multimodal Texts Implementation in Indonesian Primary and Secondary EFL Classrooms: Prospects and Challenges. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 14(3), 1475–1488. https://doi.org/10.23960/jpp.v14.i3.2024102
Liu, H., Chen, X., & Liu, X. (2022). Factors influencing secondary school students’ reading literacy: An analysis based on XGBoost and SHAP methods. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 948612. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.948612
Lubis, M. S. A., Fatmawati, E., Pratiwi, E. Y. R., Sabtohadi, J., & Damayanto, A. (2022). Understanding Curriculum Transformation Towards Educational Innovation in The Era of All-Digital Technology. Nazhruna: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 5(2), 526–542. https://doi.org/10.31538/nzh.v5i2.2110
Makrifah, N. (2020). Inovasi Pemecahan Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. Syaikhuna: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pranata Islam, 11(1), 16–30. https://doi.org/10.36835/syaikhuna.v11i1.3840
Mananay, J. A. (2024). Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Language Teaching: Effectiveness, Challenges, and Strategies. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 23(9), 361–382. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.9.19
Mandarani, V., Retnaningdyah, P., & Mustofa, A. (2024). Incorporating Multicultural Education Using Multiliteracies Practices in the Extensive Reading Class. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 10(1), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.10.1.865
Mardones, T., Sotomayor, C., & Escobar, D. (2024). Intercultural competence in multimodal reading comprehension: content validation of a didactic proposal for a multicultural classroom. Frontiers in Education, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1507019
OECD. (2023). OECD Digital Education Outlook 2023. In OECD Digital Education Outlook. OECD. https://doi.org/10.1787/c74f03de-en
Orellana, P., Cockerill, M., Valenzuela, M. F., Villalón, M., De la Maza, C., & Inostroza, P. (2025). The Influence of Home Language and Literacy Environment and Parental Self-Efficacy on Chilean Preschoolers’ Early Literacy Outcomes. Education Sciences, 15(6), 668. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15060668
Pangrazio, L., Godhe, A.-L., & Ledesma, A. G. L. (2020). What is digital literacy? A comparative review of publications across three language contexts. E-Learning and Digital Media, 17(6), 442–459. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042753020946291
Pikhart, M. (2020). Intelligent information processing for language education: The use of artificial intelligence in language learning apps. Procedia Computer Science, 176, 1412–1419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2020.09.151
Ramstrand, N., Weisova, L., Nylander, E., & Johansson, A. (2024). Interventions and evaluation of intercultural competence of students enrolled in higher education – a scoping review. Education Inquiry, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/20004508.2024.2344871
Richards, J. C. (2006). Communicative Language Teaching Today. In Cambridge University Press (Vol. 1, Issue 1). Cambridge University Press.
Sepúlveda, S., Diéguez, M., Farías, G., & Cachero, C. (2019). Systematic literature review protocol Learning-outcomes and teaching-learning process: a Bloom’s taxonomy perspective.
Setiana, L. N., Supriyatno, T., & Rahayu, P. (2021). Inovasi Pembelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Daring Berbasis “Mini Webinar.” Jurnal Metamorfosa, 9(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.46244/metamorfosa.v9i1.1283
Sharma, M. (2020). a Study on Digital Transformation and Its Impact on Education Sector. PalArch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt / Egyptology, 17(7), 16105–16108. https://www.archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/6520
Shen, Y., & Guo, H. (2022). New Breakthroughs and Innovation Modes in English Education in Post-pandemic Era. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.839440
Song, Z., & Sahid, S. (2025). Exploring factors shaping intercultural competence among China’s college students to seize global business opportunities: A systematic literature review. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101190
Sujarwo, S., Asdar, A., Sabillah, B. M., Sukmawati, S., Akhiruddin, A., & Muh. Syata, W. (2023). Innovation In English Language Learning Model Based Digital Literacy To Construct Young Learners’ Character. Ethical Lingua: Journal of Language Teaching and Literature, 10(2), 465–477. https://doi.org/10.30605/25409190.640
Syahri, I., Susanti, R., & Dwiana, N. R. (2025). From cultural exchange to identity formation: Intercultural experiences of Indonesian pre-service English teachers in the Philippines. English Learning Innovation (Englie), 6(2), 323–343. https://ejournal.umm.ac.id/index.php/englie/article/view/40964
Taskiran, A. (2020). Telecollaboration: Fostering Foreign Language Learning at a Distance. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 22(2), 87–97. https://doi.org/10.2478/eurodl-2019-0012
Xia, T., Gu, H., & Li, W. (2019). Effect of Parents’ Encouragement on Reading Motivation: The Mediating Effect of Reading Self-Concept and the Moderating Effect of Gender. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 609. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00609
Yan, W., Li, B., & Lowell, V. L. (2025). Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Extended Reality in Language Education: A Systematic Literature Review (2017–2024). Education Sciences, 15(8), 1066. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15081066
Zawacki-Richter, O., Kerres, M., Bedenlier, S., Bond, M., & Buntins, K. (2020). Systematic Reviews in Educational Research. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-27602-7
Zeng, H. (2024). A Window into Multilingual Students’ Worlds: Using Multimodal Writing to Support Writing Growth. The Reading Teacher, 78(2), 106–112. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.2352
Downloads
How to Cite
Della Rahmayani, D. R., Azzahra Sindhi Latifa, A. S. L., Muhammad Nabil Fahmi, M. N. F., & Miftahul Rohmah, M. R. (2025). Innovations in Language Education in the Digital Era: Integrating AI, Pedagogy, and Cross-Cultural Learning in the 21st Century. International Conference on Cultures & Languages, 3(1), 132-154. https://conferences.uinsaid.ac.id/iccl/paper/view/396