Perspectives and Challenges of Online Language Learning: Slovak University Students' Viewpoints

Abstract

Within the span of the past two years, modern technologies have induced major changes in education. It is primarily the Covid-19 pandemic that has altered the way of foreign language instruction. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of Slovak university EFL learners towards online English language learning. Altogether 188 participants completed a survey, indicating their level of agreement on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The research results indicate that the students either agree or are neutral to the majority of statements involving their conditions for online learning and developing particular language skills and systems. However, it should be also emphasized that some challenges of online learning, such as visiting social networking sites or chatting with peers for non-academic purposes, were also detected to some degree. It is necessary to conduct further studies in this area so that the teaching and learning process is facilitated and ultimately becomes more effective.