Innovation in English Teaching: Application of Exelearning and Task-Based Learning to Improve Reading Comprehension

Abstract

The incorporation of digital technologies in education has transformed traditional approaches to teaching, especially in the field of languages. In this context, task-based learning (TBL) has established itself as an effective methodology to improve communicative skills, particularly in reading comprehension in English. This study investigated the impact of Exelearning, an open-source digital platform, as a tool to promote English reading ability in elementary school students in a rural educational institution in Colombia. The qualitative approach and the action research methodology allowed to carry out a pedagogical intervention focused on the creation of interactive didactic sequences through Exelearning, using reading activities designed to stimulate autonomous and collaborative learning. The results indicated that, despite the difficulties of technological infrastructure, the use of Exelearning managed to motivate students, improving their reading comprehension and vocabulary in English. Students actively participated in the interactive tasks and expressed an increased interest in the reading activities. The conclusions underline the need to continue incorporating educational technologies and active methodologies in the classroom, especially in rural contexts, to improve the teaching-learning processes of foreign languages.