Online education blessing or Burden in Pakistan: Challenges and Perception of English Language Students

Abstract

It is globally observed during pandemic 19, that online learning system adoption and usage was a major challenge for academia. But after getting awareness of crucial factors in implementing and major challenges in the usage of online education systems create convenience for universities to manage these issues. Although there is no clear worldwide consensus on critical factors and challenges in the adoption and usage of online platforms during the pandemic 19, hence the scarcity of knowledge in the area motivates researchers all over the world to explore the reasons behind the gap area. Literature reported that these influential online education-related factors and challenges can be global and context-specific. To cover this grey area, the present study aims to identify those global and culturally impacting factors in the adoption and challenges in the usage of online learning platforms in universities. In the present study interpretivism, a qualitative approach was adopted to explore and interpret reality with deep and thick descriptions. Data were collected from 10 students of English language classes from two universities through semi-structured interviews. For qualitative inquiry and data interpretation, thematic analysis was employed. Based on the findings of the research, it was suggested that universities should provide online learning resources such as proper learning management systems, resolve their technical issues, and arrange training sessions for their faculty and students to use e-learning systems properly. Moreover, universities should spread awareness about online learning among students and the community through seminars and workshops and also promote blended learning and innovative software such as Chat GPT in their classrooms.