Students’ preferences on the use of digital comics application for English independent learning

In this era, digital media have become popular among students. Digital media help students in learning the material effectively and even facilitate them to learn independently. One of the digital media that is beneficial for students’ learning process is digital comics. This study explores the preferences of English Department students at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UINSA) regarding digital comic applications for independent English language learning. The research aims to identify the types of digital comic applications preferred by students and to understand the reasons behind their choices. The study examines the distinct characteristics of popular platforms such as Webtoon, Pixtoon, and Mangatoon. Using a qualitative approach, the survey and interview were conducted to 25 students of UINSA. They are 18-24 years old students from the English Language Education Department who have been using digital comics to facilitate their English independent learning. The findings reveal that while these platforms differ in features, all are effective in facilitating independent English learning, with students responding positively to their use based on individual needs and preferences. Digital comics are shown to be versatile educational tools that promote active and independent learning by offering visually engaging, personalized, and diverse content. Supported by previous research, these results highlight the potential of digital comics to enhance comprehension and sustain learner interest, making them valuable resources for language education.