Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on Covid 19 Challenges April 2021                       Pp.295-306
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/covid.22

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Challenges and Benefits of Web 2.0-based Learning among International Students of English
during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Cyprus
 

Isyaku Hassan
Faculty of Languages and Communication
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia 

Musa BaraU Gamji
Department of Mass Communication
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Eastern Medtrenian University (EMU), Cyprus
Corresponding Author: bmgamji@gmail.com 

Qaribu Yahaya Nasidi
Department of Mass Communication
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria 

Mohd Nazri Latiff Azmi
Faculty of Languages and Communication
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

 

Received: 2/15/2021                 Accepted: 3/2/2021                      Published: 4/26/2021

Abstract:
There has been an increased reliance on Web-based learning, particularly in higher learning institutions, due to the outbreak of Covid-19. However, learners require knowledge and skills on how to use Web 2.0-based learning tools. Thus, there is a need to focus on how Web-based tools can be used to enhance learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to explore the challenges and benefits of Web 2.0-based learning among international students of English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), North Cyprus during the Covid-19 pandemic. The data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 ESL learners at EMU using focus group interviews. The interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings showed that challenges faced by international students of English at EMU during the Covid-19 pandemic include inadequate knowledge of technology and technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, inability to upload large files, and loss of password. Additionally, the findings showed that Web 2.0 technologies can help the students to enhance collaborative learning, independent learning, flexible learning, as well as competence in using technology for learning purposes. It was envisaged that this study would be beneficial to the management of higher learning institutions, educationists, and students in general. However, this study is limited to international ESL students at EMU with a few participants. To provide generalizable outcomes, further studies may adopt a quantitative or mixed-method approach.
Keyword: Covid-19, Cyprus, ESL learners, international students, learning culture, Web 2.0

Cite as: Hassan, I., Gamji, M. B., Nasidi, Q.Y. & Azmi, M. N. L. (2021). Challenges and Benefits of Web 2.0-based Learning among International Students of English during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Cyprus. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on Covid 19 Challenges (1) 295-306.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/covid.22

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Received: 2/15/2021
Accepted: 3/2/2021  
Published: 4/26/2021
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8260-2894
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/covid.22  

Dr. Isyaku Hassan is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. His areas of research interest include media linguistics, media and religion, cultural communication, interactive media, and language studies. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8260-2894

Musa BaraU Gamji is a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria. His areas of research interest include e-learning, new communication technology, online journalism, and political communication. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0292-6088

Qaribu Yahaya Nasidi is a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Nigeria. His areas of research interest include new media, online journalism, marketing communication, communication research, and media literacy. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3888-2945

Dr. Mohd Nazri Latiff Azmi is an Associate Professor of English Language in the Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Malaysia. His areas of research interest include literacy and comparative literature, language studies, and applied linguistics.https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4712-5332