An Investigation of the Educational Challenges During COVID-19: A Case Study of Saudi Students' Experience

<p style="text-align: justify;">The outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has shaken the world, forcing countries to implement a state of emergency, including the education system. Students have been forced to remain in hostels or houses since they cannot get to university campuses. As a result of this predicament, university authorities have no option but to implement an online learning environment. Specifically, Saudi universities have faced numerous difficulties in bringing the online learning systems to continue the educational process. On the other hand, students faced difficulties to cope with such circumstances (complete online learning) without any preparation or backup plan. According to the findings of the literature research, students experienced difficulties that were difficult to overcome. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges that first-year students of the University faced. The present research got a total of 234 valid responses from the participants. The findings indicate that respondents were not fully prepared in this situation in terms of physical, environmental, and psychological readiness, with some variances in viewpoints depending on their gender and age. Respondents expressed concern about the effect of lockdown on their ability to perform well academically. In this study, the researchers found that switching suddenly to an all-online alternative cause significant obstacles for students. It was determined that the present blended learning model, which utilizes online learning to support face-to-face instruction, has encountered a critical challenge when it comes towards replacing it, particularly with underprepared learners.</p>

Utilization of E-Learning as Media in Indonesian Language Courses in Higher Education Post COVID-19 Pandemic

The rapid development of technology has increased the demand for information technology-based learning media, which is becoming increasingly necessary. E-Learning, also known as information technology-based learning media, is changing how education is delivered from a traditional to a digital format. At this time, the world is being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is causing restrictions on activities and gatherings and causing difficulties in lectures. Electronic learning, the most widely used learning medium by all groups, is seen as a solution to keep the learning going in higher education, from primary to post-secondary levels of education. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of E-Learning as a learning medium in the Indonesian language education department of universities following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis to implement Indonesian language education learning by taking samples from lecturers who teach Indonesian courses at the Manado State Islamic Institute and Manado State Christian Institute. According to the study's findings, using information technology as a medium of learning in Indonesian language education courses through e-learning is beneficial, particularly in light of the country's ban on face-to-face instruction. Then, the university should continue to develop e-learning to improve the ease and quality of the teaching and learning process, increase student learning effectiveness, and broaden its reach.

Exploring the Online EFL Classroom Ecology of Middle Schools During the COVID-19 Lockdown

The outbreak of COVID-19 has induced an abrupt shift from face-to-face instruction to online delivery mode for academic continuity. This research aims to explore the ecology of the pandemic-induced online English as foreign language (EFL) classrooms in Chinese middle schools and perceptions held by the English teachers, students, and parents. By analyzing data collected from 10, 576 questionnaires and eleven interviews, this study revealed how these participants played their respective parts in online EFL classroom ecology. Also, it was found that teachers’ evaluations of students’ learning performance (learning engagement and outcomes) and teacher-student interactions (in-class interaction, after-class interaction, and teachers’ feedback about homework) and their overall satisfaction of the online EFL classrooms were lower than that of the other two groups. In addition, major concerns of the participants about online EFL teaching and learning were identified, such as students’ vision damage and inadequate self-discipline, lack of face-to-face communication, and unstable Internet connection. Through presenting and discussing the research findings, this study is expected to provide implications and insights for foreign language educators, learners, and parents worldwide in adapting to online classrooms during public crises.

Foreign Language Acquisition Anxiety and Project-Based Learning in Collaborative L2 Instruction: A Case Study

This article discusses the experiences of an instructor-student collaboration in combining English as a Second Language instruction with a project-based model. It provides information about a year-long period of instruction that made use of extensive collaboration in language instruction for the creation of business documents geared to a specific purpose. The article suggests that such a project-based and collaborative approach to Foreign Language Learning might be useful in alleviating foreign language learning anxiety for advanced speakers of a second language. Additionally, the article discusses instruction performed via the Zoom platform. The use of platforms such as Zoom, or Skype, are becoming more ubiquitous as an instructional trend that pre-dates recent public health concerns, and this technology is discussed here in terms of the opportunities for collaborative learning and feedback it offers in a discipline that is still favors traditional face-to-face instruction. Although the experiences described here occurred in a non-academic setting with an instructor-student dyad, we suggest that it may be useful in academic settings with additional students and fewer collaborative opportunities to create highly specific objectives.

Correlational Study on the Contextual Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Flexible Learning: the Case of One State University in the Philippines

With the onset of the pandemic, no face-to-face instruction is seemingly the most pressing problem faced today in schools. The acquisition of required skills has been challenged by the digital divide and limited access to quality and equitable higher education. This scenario has pushed LSPU for further flexibility in rendering its services anchored on its vision of becoming a center of technological innovation that promotes interdisciplinary learning, sustainable utilization of resources, collaboration, and partnership with the community and stakeholders. Hence, this quantitative, non-experimental research with observational approach utilized predictive design explored the LSPU's delivery and assessment of flexible learning based on the outcomes-based education. The research instrument with an excellent reliability coefficient of .962. was programmed in the google form and the extracted data from 5,314 respondents were analyzed using summary statistics and regression analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to treat the data. It was found out that there is a high extent of implementation of sound assessment practices that support student learning. The respondents agreed that the level of teacher’s assessment practices and support to student learning are promising and attuned to the requirements of flexible learning. The University’s migration plan really worked for the faculty and students. Majority of the respondents are motivated and engaged in flexible learning. The study found that 55.1% variance in the effectiveness of the implementation of flexible learning is positively explained by teacher’s assessment practices and support to students, student’s attainment of cognitive learning outcomes, student’s engagement and motivation, and student’s self-assessed academic performance during the new normal.

Relationship between factors of teachers’ leadership

Today, the traditional role of teachers is challenged, and teaching practice requires less time for face-to-face instruction, a unique position that does not impose responsibilities on one person (teacher or student) and creates a common teaching and learning space in which new knowledge is co-created and socially developed. This change requires teachers’ high professionalism and leadership skills, which is the key component of a successful educational process. Therefore, it is important for researchers, school principals, and teachers to understand better the predictive factors of teachers’ leadership, which should be developed, nurtured, and sustained. This study addresses the teachers’ leadership regarding their attitudes toward themselves, attitudes towards the school, teachers’ activeness, and stress experienced at school. The study involved 418 teachers from five regions in Lithuania. The findings indicate that the four analyzed factors, influencing teacher leadership are strongly interrelated. Moreover, the research results reveal determinants surrounding the factors of interest, which leads to a more complex understanding of underlying reasons and problems related to practicing teachers’ leadership at school.

Language Education in Emergencies: A Systematic Review

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, education systems around the globe suspended on-site classes and transitioned instruction to various remote environments, creating a distinctive context for teaching and learning. This systematic review brings together the available research in language education within the current emergency setting to examine the state of affairs, as well as the situation’s inherent challenges and opportunities for language learners and teachers. A total of 38 studies were collected to reflect the current trend, with 16 of these in-depth reviewed. Research focusing on learners was dominant. Most research was conducted at the tertiary level. The studies highlighted digital tools that are capable of engaging language learners in an interactive learning experience, though they are unable to replace face-to-face instruction. Outside-of-class support such as extra channels of communication, self-access language learning (SALL) materials, and advising in language learning (ALL) were all found to complement remote learning. It is recommended that teachers try to retain their teaching principles and put them into practice regardless of the abrupt transition. Teachers’ wellbeing can be promoted when teachers accept the changes and see them as opportunities.

Virtual Scaffolded Instruction for Students with Disabilities

The challenges teachers face with virtual learning existed previously but were heightened by the quick move from in-person to virtual learning caused by the pandemic. Researchers have investigated virtual learning for students with disabilities and have made recommendations including supplemental online resources for individualization and incorporating what we know works for students with disabilities, such as explicit instruction and assistive technology. Another recommendation for virtual learning, and the focus of this article, is the use of scaffolding. Since we know scaffolding is a high-leverage practice for students with disabilities, we can take what we know about scaffolding in face-to-face instruction and transform it to work in virtual settings. This article offers vignettes of a science classroom as two teachers plan for scaffolded instruction to support reading, which is critical in science learning.

Tinjauan Model Pembelajaran Blended Learning pada Perguruan Tinggi di Era New Normal Covid-19: Kebijakan dan Implementasi

This article aims to review the potential of a Blended learning model implementation in Indonesian higher education institutions during the time of Covid-19. This conceptual paper attempts to explain the concept of Blended learning in terms of theory and practice, based on the literature discussed in several reputable international journals. Blended learning is defined as a learning model integrating face-to-face instruction with an online learning environment or e-learning. Initially, this model proposes to improve the deficiencies of a traditional learning model which is lack of technological resources, and at the same time to develop the gap of e-learning practice which is lack of a face-to-face learning experience. In the blended instruction, students will learn through face-to-face interaction in the classroom and supported by digital media such as a Website, Video, or Learning Management System (LMS). Meanwhile, the use of technologies is ordinarily applied for students' learning and peer-interaction outside of the class, especially for online discussion and homework submission. This method emphasizes that learning activity should not only occur in the classroom but also outside of the class through the digital device.