The Challenges of Functionalizing Online Learning in Teaching and Learning English as a Foreign Language from the Viewpoints of the Instructors

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Curriculum and Educational Technologies , College of Education &Arts, Northern Border University, KSA.

Abstract

The present research aimed at investigating the experience of administering online learning taking into account the technical difficulties encountered by the instructors and students at the Department of Languages and Translation, and PYP Women Division, Northern Border University. The research made use of the mixed-method (explanatory sequential design) to fulfil its purposes. The research participants comprised two main categories totaling 24 English instructors from the Department of Languages and Translation and the Preparatory Year Program (PYP) at Northern Border University. The research data were collected through two instruments, namely an inventory (quantitative aspect) and a semi-structured interview (qualitative aspect). The results of the research revealed that there were a number of challenges encountered by instructors when delivering their courses; furthermore, there are also a plethora of problems among students related to the adoption of online learning without having sufficient experiences or background to achieve the intended learning outcomes. The research concluded with a number of recommendations and suggestions for further research. 
 

Highlights

 

 

Keywords


 

 
Alshammari, M. T. (2020). Evaluation of gamification in e-learning systems for elementary school students. TEM Journal, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.18421/TEM92-51
Barbera, E. (2004), Quality in virtual education environments. British Journal of Educational Technology, 35: 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2004.00364.x
Choi, L., & Chung, S. (2021). Navigating online language teaching in uncertain times: Challenges and strategies of EFL educators in creating a sustainable technology-mediated language learning environment. Sustainability13(14), 7664.
Compton, L. (2009). Preparing language teachers to teach language online: a look at skills, roles, and responsibilities. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 22, 73 - 99.
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (4th ed). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications.
Creswell, J.W. (2007). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among Five approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Cunningham, C. A. (2001). Computers & connectivity. The Brookings Review19(1), 41.
Davis, N., & Rose, R. (2007). Professional development for virtual schooling and online learning. Vienna, VA: North American Council for Online Learning. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/docs/NACOL_PDforVSandOlnLrng.pdf.
Díaz, L.A., & Entonado, F.B. (2009). Are the Functions of Teachers in e-Learning and Face-to-Face Learning Environments Really Different? J. Educ. Technol. Soc., 12, 331-343.
Easton, S.S. (2003). Clarifying the Instructor's Role in Online Distance Learning. Communication Education, 52, 105 - 87.
Garrett‐Rucks, P. (2013). A Discussion‐B ased Online Approach to Fostering Deep Cultural Inquiry in an Introductory Language Course. Foreign Language Annals46(2), 191-212.
George, R. and Wood, D. (2003). Promoting the quality of online courses. Paper presented at Learning for an Unknown Future Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand.
Hampel, R. & Stickler, U. (2005). New Skills for New Classrooms: Training Tutors to Teach Languages Online. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 18(4), 311-326. Retrieved May 18, 2022, from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/98425/.
Hsu, S., & Kuan, P. Y. (2013). The impact of multilevel factors on technology integration: The case of Taiwanese grade 1–9 teachers and schools. Educational Technology Research and Development61(1), 25-50.
Ignasia Yuyun (2013) E-Language Learning Program: Problems and Challenges. 
Karkar-Esperat, T. M. (2018). International graduate students’ challenges and learning experiences in online classes. Journal of International Students8(4), 1722-1735.
Kyewski, E., & Krämer, N. C. (2018). gamify or not to gamify? An experimental field study of the influence of badges on motivation, activity, and performance in an online learning course. Computers & Education, 118, 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.11.006
Laksana, D. N. L. (2020). Implementation of Online Learning in The Pandemic Covid-19: Student Perception in Areas with Minimum Internet Access. Journal of Education Technology, 4(4), 509–509. https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v4i4.29314
Lestiyanawati, R. (2020). The strategies and problems faced by Indonesian teachers in conducting e-learning during COVID-19 outbreak. CLLiENT (Culture, Literature, Linguistics, and English Teaching)2(1), 71-82.
Loh Epri, M. (2016). A case study on the impact of large classes on student learning. Contemporary PNG Studies24, 95-109.
Mahyoob, M. (2020). Challenges of e-Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Experienced by EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal(AWEJ),11(4).https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3652757
Mpungose, C. B. (2021). Instructors’ reflections on use of Zoom video conferencing technology for e-learning at a South African university in the context of coronavirus. African Identities. https://doi.org/10.1080/14725843.2021.1902268
Oz, H. (2014). Prospective English teachers’ ownership and usage of mobile devices as m-learning tools. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences141, 1031-1041.
Rahayu, R.P., & Wirza, Y. (2020). Teachers’ Perception of Online Learning during Pandemic Covid-19. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan, 20, 392-406.
Sari, F. M. (2020). Exploring English learners’ engagement and their roles in the online language course. Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics5(3), 349-361.
Susan Y. H. Sun, Knowledge Management and E-Learning 3(3):428-447, September 2011 Wood, D. & George, R. (2003). Quality standards in online teaching and learning: A tool for authors and developers. In Interact, integrate, impact: Proceedings ASCILITE Adelaide 2003.        http://www.ascilite.org.au/conferences/adelaide03/docs/pdf/552.pdf