Investigating Efl Students’ Perceptions On Online Learning Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

Proceedings of The 5th International Conference on New Approaches in Education

Year: 2022

DOI:

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Investigating Efl Students’ Perceptions On Online Learning Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

Ghadah Al Murshidi

ABSTRACT: 

In an age of major crises, online learning has become an integral part of many people’s educational experiences. This study explored how a sample of Emirati EFL students perceived (1) the type of activities employed in online classrooms, (2) the frequency with which these activities were practiced in such classrooms each week, (3) students’ experiences of studying in online classrooms, (4) their perceptions of their online classroom teachers, and (5) whether perceptions of the benefits of online classroom study differed significantly according to gender. To answer these questions, an online questionnaire was completed by 342 Emirati students. The findings showed that a range of activities featured frequently in online classrooms, which most students accessed at least three to four times a week. Students were highly satisfied with the collaborative activities they carried out with teachers. Finally, significant differences were found between the attitudes of female and male students towards online learning, with the former expressing more positive attitudes to the online classroom. The study indicates that course designers and instructors should encourage students to deepen their engagement in online classroom activities. This study poses several questions that should be addressed by further research.

keywords: classroom activities, EFL learners, gender difference, perceptions, virtual education.