E-learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Voices of King Khalid University EFL Students

Abstract

This study reveals the perceptions of Saudi EFL students towards e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study has particularly focused on EFL students at King Khalid University as typical across the country. It is found that Saudi EFL students have high perceptions (positive opinions) of e-learning during the pandemic by using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The students consider e-learning as a valuable tool for student interaction and motivation that allows a wide range of language learning sources, and it helps students to overcome their shyness and challenges they have experienced. They could learn in a relaxed, stress-free environment. However, major challenges to e-learning have been reported by Saudi EFL students, such as the large number of students on the platforms connected, connectivity problems, insufficient time allocated for online quizzes and exams, and a lack of technical skills. Based on these findings, the study recommends training of EFL students through e-learning platforms, providing them with the necessary devices and Internet connections, and engagingly designing online materials. These insights can be useful for teachers and academic institutions to design learning where the good aspects of e-learning can be retained and the challenges can be overcome.