In an increasingly digital world, the incorporation of technology in language education has become essential for effective teaching and learning. This paper explores how technology can enhance language skills development through a focused lesson plan utilizing O. Henry’s (1862–1910), an American writer known primarily for his short stories, “The Last Leaf.” The selection of it is based on its rich narrative and emotive themes, which serve as a powerful tool for language development. In this context, the target of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of technology in fostering language skills development through the analysis of “The Last Leaf,” to investigate students’ engagement levels and their perception of technology-enhanced language learning, and to identify specific language skills improved through the use of a literary text in a technological context. The paper utilized a mixed-methods approach, focusing on qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the impact of technology on language skills development. The participants were 18 high school students enrolled in an intermediate English language course. An interactive lesson plan featuring a digital presentation of ‘The Last Leaf,” including visual aids, audio narration, and interactive activities, was used during the process. The data was collected through student surveys and interviews to gather insights on their experiences with the technology-enhanced lesson. Post-assessment results indicated a significant improvement in students’ vocabulary related to the story, with a 30% increase in scores. The analysis of the comprehension tests revealed that 90% of students demonstrated a deeper comprehension of the narrative and its themes. The survey results indicated that 88% of students felt more motivated and interested in the lesson due to the use of technology, highlighting the positive impact of interactive learning tools. This paper highlights the significance of technology in language skills development, demonstrating that it can enhance student engagement and facilitate deeper comprehension of literary texts.

Keywords: language skills, literature, short story, technology, “The Last Leaf,” O. Henry, students’ engagement