Sri Lankan English language learner attitudes of virtual learning during the COVID-19: implications for future online learning

Abstract

Online teaching has grown exponentially during the COVID-19 period around the globe. As a result, many research studies have been conducted to evaluate online teaching. The current small-scale qualitative case study was conducted to explore the attitudes of English as a second language learners toward online platforms during the novel coronavirus pandemic in Sri Lanka and to draw implications for future online English education. The findings are summarized under six themes: organization and clarity; flexibility; workload and academic support; interaction; skills and knowledge; and motivation. The current study brings important insights for a number of stakeholders considering the development of online language education in a Sri Lankan context and beyond. A key finding was that educators would do well to continue to initiate and promote virtual English language learning as a majority of the respondents are willing to continue learning English online. The findings also indicate that educational authorities should be encouraged to arrange training sessions for teachers involved in the online delivery of course content, focusing more on pedagogical matters. Moreover, it is suggested that language teachers should focus more on learners' online engagement and communication.