Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 13. Number3.  September 2022                               Pp.467-481
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no3.30

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EFL Learners’ Perspectives of E-Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study on
Saudi College Students
 

Thamer Binmahboob
Languages Department
King Abdulaziz Military Academy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Email: th22th@yahoo.com

 

 Received:03/06/2022         Accepted:09/04/2022                 Published:09/24/2022

 

Abstract:
The learning process during Covid-19 pandemic has witnessed significant changes in the modes of instruction, with E-learning emerging as an absolute path in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. The current study seeks to investigate the perspectives of Saudi EFL students with regard to e-learning during the pandemic and the challenges encountered. The significance of this study stems from the importance of integrating e-learning into language learning in a methodological way with the proper planning of activities, technologies, and tutors and students’ skills. The participants of this study consisted of Saudi EFL learners in two Saudi universities, namely King Saud University and King Khalid University, who study in the department of English language. The sample consisted of (53) students who study in their fourth year and who were selected randomly from the department of English language. The research results demonstrated that the perceptions of the students of e-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic were positive because they see that e-learning makes learning easier, especially in the student-instructor interaction, as well as using various teaching styles and assessment methods and they participated in making the students prefer e-learning in their future education. However, the students reported that they do not have all the technical skills needed for e-learning and that they face technical problems and a lack of social relations during online learning. Based on these results, the researcher recommended training the students on e-learning skills and platforms and providing them with the required technologies for the effective adoption of e-learning.
Keywords: EFL learners’ perspectives, e-learning, covid-19 pandemic, Saudi students, online learning

Cite as:  Binmahboob, T. (2022). EFL Learners’ Perspectives of E-Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study on Saudi College Students
Arab World English Journal, 13 (3) 467-481.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no3.30

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Received: 03/06/2022
Accepted: 09/04/2022 
Published: 09/24/2022  
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2567-125
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol13no3.30    

Thamer Binmahboob is specialized in teaching English as a second language for more than 18 years. His participation in conferences was related to applying technologies in the learning environment. His belief in the importance of integrating technologies with learning led him to develop an application on smartphones for learning writing.
ORCiD ID : https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2567-1252