IJIET 2026 Vol.16(6): 1538-1546
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2026.16.6.2619
doi: 10.18178/ijiet.2026.16.6.2619
The Effects of Mobile Virtual Literature Circles on EFL Reading Comprehension in Rural Indonesia
Herman Khunaivi1,2,*, Nunung Suryati1, Ekaning D. Laksmi1, and Niamika El Khoiri1
1. Department of English, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
2. Al-Anwar Islamic College, Rembang, Indonesia
Email: herman.khunaivi.2202219@students.um.ac.id (H.K.); nunung.suryati.fs@um.ac.id (N.S.); edlaksmi.fs@um.ac.id (E.D.L.); niamika.el.fs@um.ac.id (N.E.K.)
*Corresponding author
2. Al-Anwar Islamic College, Rembang, Indonesia
Email: herman.khunaivi.2202219@students.um.ac.id (H.K.); nunung.suryati.fs@um.ac.id (N.S.); edlaksmi.fs@um.ac.id (E.D.L.); niamika.el.fs@um.ac.id (N.E.K.)
*Corresponding author
Manuscript received August 17, 2025; revised November 7, 2025; accepted on December 16, 2025; published June 16, 2026
Abstract—Literature circles have proven effective in enhancing reading comprehension among English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners through collaboration and peer interaction. With the rise of digital learning, these activities are increasingly implemented through mobile platforms to address distance and resource constraints. However, their use in rural Indonesia remains limited. This study investigated the differences and effects of Mobile Virtual Literature Circles (MVLCs) on students’ ability to interpret, analyze, and critically respond to texts. Using a mixed-methods design, 54 rural EFL students were divided into an experimental group employing Mobile Virtual Literature Circles (MVLCs) and a control group receiving conventional instruction. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests, surveys, and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that students in the MVLC group achieved significantly higher gains in reading comprehension (from 49.41 to 67.67) compared to the control group (from 55.26 to 65.85). MVLCs also promoted peer collaboration, critical analysis, and engagement despite challenges such as limited digital literacy and unstable connectivity. Overall, MVLCs effectively enhance the reading comprehension of EFL learners in rural areas. It demonstrates strong potential for enhancing literacy and critical thinking in resource-constrained EFL settings, offering a scalable approach to technology-enhanced reading instruction.
Keywords—Mobile Virtual Literature Circles (MVLCs), English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, reading comprehension
Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).
Keywords—Mobile Virtual Literature Circles (MVLCs), English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, reading comprehension
Cite: Herman Khunaivi, Nunung Suryati, Ekaning D. Laksmi, and Niamika El Khoiri, "The Effects of Mobile Virtual Literature Circles on EFL Reading Comprehension in Rural Indonesia," International Journal of Information and Education Technology, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 1538-1546, 2026.
Copyright © 2026 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited (CC BY 4.0).