Speakers
Description
In response to the growing demand for digital competence in the 21st century and the ongoing transformation of education in Vietnam, developing students’ digital skills has become a key objective in high school English teaching. This study investigates the integration of project-based learning (PBL) with digital tools to enhance students’ digital competence alongside their language abilities. It addresses two questions: (1) To what extent does using digital tools in English PBL improve students’ digital competence? (2) What are students’ perceptions of these tools? A quasi-experimental design was implemented with Grade 10 students at high schools in Hai Phong city over ten weeks using the Global Success textbook. Participants were divided into a control group receiving traditional instruction and an experimental group engaged in PBL supported by tools such as Canva, Padlet, Google Form, Napkin AI, Suno AI, text to speech and so on. Students collaborated to plan, design, and present projects while applying skills like information searching, content creation, online collaboration, and digital communication, with teacher guidance throughout. Data from pre- and post-tests, project assessments, and questionnaires showed that the experimental group made significant gains, especially in communication, collaboration, and content creation. Students also reported positive attitudes, highlighting increased engagement, creativity, and confidence. These findings suggest that technology-integrated PBL is an effective approach to developing digital competence, and its use should be encouraged in high school English teaching.
Biography
Ms. Pham Thi Thuy is a dedicated K–12 teacher of English with more than 20 years of teaching experience. Throughout her career, she has continuously explored innovative approaches to enhance students’ communicative competence and foster meaningful language use in authentic contexts. Her teaching philosophy strongly aligns with the theme of VietTESOL 2026, “Reposition English: From Foreign to Second Language,” as she believes English should become a living tool for communication, learning, and global connection rather than merely a classroom subject.
As a core teacher entrusted with various professional responsibilities by the Hai Phong Department of Education and Training, she has actively contributed to educational innovation and teacher development. She has been widely recognized for her creative teaching practices, particularly her ability to connect classroom learning with real-life situations, making English more relevant, engaging, and accessible to students. In recent years, she has also integrated technology and AI-powered tools into her teaching to create interactive learning environments and support students in using English more naturally and confidently in everyday communication.
Mrs. Pham Thi Thuy has actively participated in professional ELT communities and international conferences, including as a participant at VIC 2018, a speaker at VIC 2022, a presenter at VIC 2023, LaoTESOL 2023, and VietTESOL International Convention 2024 and 2025. Through her research and presentations, she continues to advocate for practical, learner-centered approaches that help reposition English as a second language in Vietnamese educational contexts.
| Affiliate type | Vietnamese public school |
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