Читать книгу Труды IV Республиканской научно-практической online-конференции «Образование XXI века: проблемы, тенденции и перспективы» - Николай Сергеевич Лустов - Страница 5

Challenges in Online Education in the Context of English Language Teaching and Learning

(Master student at Suleyman Demirel University)

Abstract

After sudden and abrupt changes due to the pandemic outburst during 2019—2021, many students and teachers had to experience all the benefits and drawbacks of remote study and work. Flexibility and easy access as opposed to the internet connection and technology failure, unfamiliar technological tools and the lack of personal communication were the issues that caused mixed perceptions towards studying under the conditions of being locked at home. This article seeks to explore the challenges that learners faced over the recent two years. However, apart from evaluating what issues are engendered by the exposure to distance learning, this paper addresses the challenges in learning English remotely by investigating and elaborating on solutions suggested by researchers in this area. The paper concludes by outlining recommendations for English language teachers to make the process of distance learning less challenging.

Keywords: online education, distance learning, student perception, challenges of remote learning, technology, TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language), traditional learning, face-to-face education, distance mode of teaching.

Introduction

Nowadays, various activities can be comfortably implemented via smartphone applications or numerous websites. In addition, reading books, searching for information, as well as socializing with peers, are likely to be readily accessible at any time on the screens of personal electronic gadgets. Not surprisingly, modern technology has impacted teaching practices which, in turn, have undergone significant transformations by relocating to web-assisted environments. In 2012, at a university lecture, professor Andrew Delbanco pointed out that «your French teacher may be a version of Siri on your smartphone». (Romeo, 2012).

Moreover, the years 2019 – 2021 witnessed unprecedented growth in the number of virtual courses and lessons conducted by school teachers and university professors. The sudden increase was directly linked to the compelled transition to the distant mode of teaching. Although online learning seems still to be demanded, some experts, educators, and learners claim that e-learning is not as effective and engaging as brick-and-mortar classrooms (Irfan & Iman, 2020). Therefore, it is important to compare whether more preference is still given to face-to-face education alongside consideration of challenges that learners encounter while studying online. In the light of the recent growth in the demand for online teaching, a great majority of young individuals may have changed their attitudes, shifting positively or negatively, towards remote classes. In particular, learning a foreign language may even be challenged due to the lack of real-time, face-to-face interaction with a person since communicative practice is likely to be affected by the inconveniences of an online learning environment.

The value of this study will be in obtaining empirical data which will help to explore the factors that English language learners found as crucial and beneficial for achieving academic success, or insufficient and undesirable in the course of distance education.

Literature Review

Kazakhstan was not the only country to switch to distance education; it was, in fact, a worldwide trend. These trends indicate that learners in Kazakhstan and worldwide have to adapt to the new realia and developments. Since the success of education often depends on the overall perception of course participants, Allen and Seaman (2013) were focused on establishing learners’ judgment of distance education which was described as a positive experience by only a half of the respondents which implies that almost 50 percent of the other enrollees remained unsatisfied. Consequently, a significant number of online learners could not have fully achieved the expected learning outcomes. Although the course content and learning outcomes were noted to be relevant as compared to the traditional classroom, Allen and Seman’s (2013) research found the aspects that caused barriers in academic studies. Remote classrooms might not suffice to encourage learners’ dedication to their studies or progress in their knowledge and abilities. Instead of being active participants, those being educated online might only remain passive listeners. These are some of the reasons why some students ranked online classes lower than traditional classrooms. This means that despite the comfort and accessibility of online instruction, learners find traditional classrooms more enjoyable or constructive.

Recent research by Alawawdeh and Alshtaiwi (2020) points out that «many issues arise from teachers, learners, and the learner’s social environment». The authors argue that «online education is not going well as it lacks planning and preparation». Planning and preparation, in turn, are defined as required to enhance online learning; the rationale behind this is that distance learning needs more time and effort on the part of teachers and learners to make it «function exactly as intended». Based on the research studies, Alawawdeh and Alshtaiwi’s (2020) claims are justified in demanding that teachers should be qualified and trained to revitalize and enrich the teaching methods with proper knowledge and skills. As for students, they should be expected to be educated by an expert to improve ICT (information and computer technology) skills and overcome challenges related to distance education. It was fair to mention that the families of the students should be involved to assist and help their children with technology. Despite the high rates of online course enrollment and a substantial amount of positive feedback, the lack of electronic equipment, or stable internet connection were found to be critical yet due to financial shortages in the families (Alawawdeh & Alshtaiwi, 2020).

On the other hand, negative judgments of distance learning may arise due to bias such as preferred learning styles or a common misconception of virtual classes. Nguen (2015), having examined the efficiency of e-learning, argues that traditional classes, as well as online classrooms, are both effective methods. The author suggests that face-to-face education is starting to lose its hegemony on the market. The rationale for such a development is found to be cost-effectiveness while the cost of offline education is rising dramatically. In addition, access to world-class education alongside classroom size possibilities are significant benefits of online learning.

Conclusion

Having reviewed some recent research publications in the field of online education and language learning, the following conclusions have been derived. First of all, there are both significant benefits, as well as drawbacks to learning English in the context of online education (Appana, 2008). Accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and schedule convenience are some of the aspects that attract students to online learning. At the same time, insufficient discipline, motivation, and digital illiteracy tremendously impart the perception of and the outcomes of virtual classes. Based on the findings discovered, the following recommendations should be observed to soothe the undesired effect of e-learning (Alawawdeh & Alshtaiwi, 2020).

References

Alawawdeh, N. & Alshtaiwi, M. (2020). Foreign Languages e-learning: Challenges, Obstacles and Behaviors during Covid-19 Pandemic in Jordan. PalArch’s Journal of Archeology of Egypt/Egyptology 18 (6): 536—554 10.13140/RG.2.2.34688.87048

Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2013). Changing course: Ten years of tracking online education in the United States. Babson Park, MA: Babson Survey Research Group and Quahog Research Group, 3—6. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED541571.pdf

Appana, S. (2008). The online learner: A Review of Benefits and Limitations of Online Learning in the Context of the Student, the Instructor, and the Tenured Faculty. International Journal on E-learning Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 7 (1), 5—22 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237143888_A_Review_of_Benefits_and_Limitations_of_Online_Learning_in_the_Context_of_the_Student_the_Instructor_and_the_Tenured_Faculty

Charles, S., Malek H., & William, M., (2019). A Preliminary Study of Students Perception and Learning from Different Methods. Journal of Academy of Educational Leadership. 23 (2), 3—5. https://www.abacademies.org/articles/a-preliminary-study-of-students-perception-and-learning-from-different-delivery-methods-8235.html