EFL Students Perceptions on Online Learning Implementation amidst the COVID 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract: The sudden onset of the COVID-19 has affected many events and institutions due to global confinement thus the disruption in the educational setting was not the exception. This research seeks to learn about students' perceptions of English language learningthrough online classes implemented during the pandemic. Therefore, the investigation used the Mixed Method Design, and subsequently, the instruments employed to collect information were surveys through multiple-choice questions, open-ended questions, and Likert scales. They gathered information aboutthe applications of greatest interest for the participants, what motivated them, and the challenges during the virtual classes. The data were obtained from 34 learners, who attend a public high school in the city of Yantzaza. This sample consisted of 18 girls and 16 boys who are undergoing the 1ero Bachillerato with an A2.2 English level. Finally, it was concluded that EFL students have been able to manage English virtual classes thanks to technological tools for academic interaction, especially WhatsApp, which is also motivating because it allows direct contact with the teacher and counteracts the stress challenge produced by online classrooms.