Challenges in online learning of English as a foreign language during the COVID-19 pandemic: Students’ perspective at Ajman University, UAE

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to explore the challenges of online learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) during the spread of COVID-19 from the students' perspective at Ajman University, UAE. The study used the descriptive approach. A questionnaire consisting of 26-items was distributed to a random sample of (282) students from different colleges who were studying online English Language courses during the pandemic. SPSS software was used to analyze the collected data. The results of the study indicated that the perspective of Ajman University students regarding the challenges of online learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) during the COVID-19 pandemic came at a high level, with an overall arithmetic mean of 3.54 and a standard deviation of 0.84. Students' responses varied by gender (in favor of female students) and by academic year (in favor of first year students). Additionally, the student academic evaluation (SAE) variable did not show statistical significance. The findings show that a deeper understanding of instructors' perspectives and experiences regarding the challenges of online English language learning is required. Likewise, developing EFL skills also requires a blended learning approach. The study recommended more understanding of instructors' perspectives and experiences concerning online English language learning challenges.