Learners` Perceptions of Web Applications Use in Learning EFL during a Digital Transition Stage of the Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 virus outbreak has curtailed instruction in various global universities. It obliged higher educational institutions to evaluate their ability to cope with such an unexpected dilemma. Throughout the virus widespread in Palestine, virtual education has become the primary teaching mode. After two semesters of virtual teaching, the researcher distributed an online poll and conducted virtual semi-structured interviews with students majoring in English. The study included 395 undergraduates from various local universities. The survey results showed that English majors held a positive attitude towards using online education platforms. Males outnumbered females by a statistically significant margin. The Students` level was statistically significant in favor of new students. There were no discernible differences between students based on place of living. The Pearson correlation value was extremely high, indicating a positive relationship between students` perceptions and motivating factors. Students frequently reported obstacles like poor internet connectivity, time, knowledge of using educational web platforms, boredom, familiarity with the applications, distraction, electricity cut, and students` comprehension of the material and technical expertise. Students postulated various solutions to existing challenges, including increasing internet speeds, delivering needed training sessions, and allotting students enough time to access the network.