A Systematic Review of Research on Efl Online Learning: Effectiveness, Challenges, Learning Tools, and Suggestions

Abstract

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, educational departments such schools, colleges, and universities have been experiencing significant disruptions. All teaching and learning activities of face-to-face learning have switched to online learning. This study provides a systemic review of the literature with the aim to investigate the effectiveness, challenges, learning tools, and suggestions in EFL online learning based on an analysis of 40 published article journal from 2019 to 2022. This study has not yet been reviewed in the literature as part of a systematic review of studies. This study is based on Kitchenman's (2009) systemic literature review (SLR) approach, which allows it to gather data from a variety of sources. The dataset has been collected from SCOPUS databases. These data were analysed using Creswell's (2012) content analysis. The research findings revealed that all e-learning tools (e.g., Voki, LMS 'TES Blended Space', Pigai, Zoom meeting etc) used by universities teachers were very effective and beneficials for learners. However, some challenges were also identified during learning activities such as students lack of learning climate, poor internet connections, financial problems, technical problems, students' demotivation etc. Thus, the research findings suggested three aspects should be considered, namely a) having extensive and high-quality online resource access, b) using online resources on a regular basis, and (c) not only students but also teachers are being trained to use ICTs-in. In addition, teachers need to keep working on reinforcing the connection between digital technology and education meanwhile students need to made aware that it is acceptable to use digital media even it the most formal of educational settings. To summarize, this study suggests that once the Covid-19 pandemic is ended, the use of technology integration on online learning in EFL classrooms can be extended for equitable quality education for students.