Investigating Ambo University Woliso Campus Students' E-Learning Willingness and English Language Lecturers' Perceptions

Abstract

In the opinion of English language lecturers, the use of supportive technology makes students more willing to learn English outside of the classroom and improves their language proficiency. Participation in e-learning depends on students' e-learning readiness and the attitude of English language lecturers and human resources, such as students and lecturers, are the most important components of e-learning programs. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study, and the population of the study included all students and English language lecturers at Ambo University Woliso Campus. The reliability of the Watkins and Mishra attitude questionnaires in the present study was confirmed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.91 and 0.90, respectively. The lecturers’ attitude toward e-learning was 90% moderate to good and 10% negative. The mean score of lecturers' attitudes showed a significant positive correlation with the mean scores of computers and Internet connection skills (r = 0.48, p = 0.001). It can be concluded that the faculty members’ attitudes and student readiness regarding e-learning were at reasonable levels. Due to positive attitudes in universities about e-learning, it is recommended that instructors be taught continuously about technology awareness and how to acquire skills over time in e-learning so that the learning program can be optimally designed. Due to the increasing prevalence of the Covid-19 epidemic and the emphasis on distance education, it is recommended that infrastructure and other requirements be considered.