Digital Note-Taking Apps Impact on EFL Students’ Writing Skill

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students on the use of specific digital note-taking applications such as Notion, Evernote, and Microsoft OneNote, and their self-reported impact on key writing skills, including grammar accuracy, idea organization, and writing coherence. Fifty third-year LMD students at Amar Thelidji University participated in answering a questionnaire during the academic year 2023–2024. The questionnaire consisted of 14 items measuring frequency of app use, perceived benefits, challenges faced, and preferences between digital and traditional note-taking. Results show that a majority of students positively view these apps as helpful tools to enhance their writing process, especially for grammar checking and idea organization, though some reported distractions and technical difficulties. This research highlights the growing role of digital note-taking tools in EFL writing and calls for further investigation including direct assessment of writing performance.