EFL Students’ Perception Towards Online Learning: What to Consider?

Abstract

The outbreak of the deadly coronavirus at the end of 2019 (Covid-19) has pushed many education institutions to do a radical transformation by moving all forms of their services, particularly teaching from traditional face-to-face mode to completely online foreign language teaching. This research aims to investigate Indonesian students’ perception of online learning and the three most challenging problems they encountered when enrolling in it under the context of English as Foreign Language students. Based on a review of the literature on online learning and students’ perception, a questionnaire was constructed and distributed to 57 students that had enrolled in an online course via google form along with a question asking the three most challenging problems they encountered during the course. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that most of the students had a positive perception of online learning. The three most challenging problems the students encountered were signal (internet connection), money (financial ability), and comprehension (comprehending the course) respectively. The result indicates that online learning can be a reliable solution for the teaching and learning process during a pandemic. However, in applying it, the campus must consider an alternative solution for the students who live in the bad internet connection area. Supporting them with subsidies, or free internet packages can help them to keep studying during a hard time. Lastly, teachers must work hard to ensure that their teachings are understandable so that their students will not get lost during the learning process.

Face-to-face Vs. Online Learning: Differences and Challenges in Communication

“…A possible explanation of the findings is that the students' perceptions are conditioned by the advancement in technology, especially in developing countries. As Saputra et al (2022) argue online learning relies on the provision of technology, good quality of the internet, and better electronic devices. Pakistan is one such example where online learning should be studied keeping in mind these technological and economic factors.…”

“…More recent studies have tried to study English majors' perceptions of face-to-face and online learning. Saputra, Saputra, Handrianto, and Agustinos (2022) investigated EFL students' perceptions of online learning in Indonesia. The study uncovered that students had positive perceptions of online learning.…”

Penerapan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Samarinda

“…Dalam surat tersebut disebutkan bahwa proses belajar dari rumah dilaksanakan dengan pembelajaran secarang daring/jarak jauh agar mampu memberikan pengalaman belajar yang bermakna bagi siswa, tanpa terbebani tuntutan untuk mentuntaskan seluruh capaian kurikulum (Kemendikbud, 2020). Pembelajaran jarak jauh (Istiqomah, 2021;Latipah et al, 2021;Nurjanah & Pratama, 2020;Rosayanti & Hardiana, 2021) dan pembelajaran berbasis online (Iftanti, 2022;Meysarah, 2018;Noviarani et al, 2021;Robbani et al, 2021;Saputra et al, 2022;Sari, 2020;Yani, 2021) menjadi solusi dari problem penyebaran covid-19 yang mengharuskan pembelajaran dilaksanakan dari rumah.…”

Secondary school students’ school-related stressors during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Sabah, Malaysia

“…Other studies have also used a single open-ended item to assess students' experiences during COVID-19. (e.g., Barrot et al, 2021;Akol, 2022;Saputra et al, 2022;Barrot and Fernando, 2023). The content, clarity, and accuracy of the instrument were validated using face validity by two experienced researchers.…”