EFL Learners' Attitudes Towards the Use of Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic. The Case of EFL Undergraduate Learners at Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia University-Jijel-

Abstract

One of the main consequences of COVID-19 pandemic was the shift from classroom learning to online learning which may affect negatively or positively the students learning process. The present study seeks to investigate the attitudes of EFL undergraduate learners towards the use of online learning during COVID-19 pandemic at Mohammed Seddik Ben Yahia/ Jijel University as well as the challenges that they encounter during their learning process. Also, learners who are used to online learning and have technology skills develop positive attitudes towards online learning. In order to achieve the aims of this descriptive study, a questionnaire was designed and submitted online to EFL students at the department of English. It was revealed that students are aware of the advantages of online learning making them more responsible and autonomous; however, they prefer classroom learning because of the difficulties they encounter when learning as the lack of technology skills, lack of support and interaction with the teachers, as well as the technical problems they face. Some pedagogical recommendations are suggested to pave the way for a better implementation of online learning process such as raising the awareness of the importance of using online learning tools in the learning process and preparing both teachers and students to this new way of learning.