Performing speaking tasks via online learning can be challenging for first-year university students. This quantitative study explored the students' perceptions of online learning experiences, challenges, and strategies in implementing English speaking activities. 127 out of 315 students responded to the questionnaire, which involved asking for information on students' backgrounds, perceptions of online platforms, online learning adoption and difficulties in implementing speaking tasks via online learning. The findings reveal that while most students have positive perceptions of online learning platforms for English-speaking tasks, a small percentage of them still prefer physical classroom learning. Nevertheless, lecturers' strategies of prompting for ideas, asking questions, and exploring creative ideas for speaking activities have successfully met the students' online learning needs.