Challenges and Opportunities of Implementing E-Learning in Teaching English at Tertiary Level from Teachers’ Perspective

Abstract

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tremendous Vietnamese lecturers are assumed to have conducted virtual teaching in response to keep track of learning progress. This type of teaching seemingly brings several benefits to students and teachers. However, not all English instructors show their proficiency in applying e-Learning platforms. The present study was conducted with an aim to investigate the obstacles and chances given to both English lecturers when teaching online. A sample of 69 English lecturers from diverse universities in Ho Chi Minh City was selected with convenience and random sampling. The research instruments included online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. After administering questionnaires to gain responses and screening data, six lecturers were interviewed to have further ideas explored. Having analysed the piloted data, the preliminary findings have revealed that the virtual platforms are beneficial to teachers in terms of interaction, flexibility, and lesson delivery. They also indicated some problems such as application interruptions and students' lack of enthusiasm. The study will help English lecturers and practitioners raise awareness of conducting e-Learning and offer them some solutions to maximize this type of teaching