Challenges of Learning English in 21st Century Online vs. Traditional During Covid-19
Challenges of Learning English in 21st Century Online vs. Traditional During Covid-19
Challenges of Learning English in 21st Century Online vs. Traditional During Covid-19
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Challenges of Learning English in 21st Century: Online vs. Traditional During
Covid-19
Isai Amuthan Krishnan1, Hee Sio Ching2, Selva Jothni Ramalingam1, Elanttamil Maruthai1,
Pushpa Kandasamy3, Geraldine De Mello4, Saravanan Munian5, Wong Woei Ling6
1Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, University of Malaya (UM)
2ELM Business School, HELP University
3SMK Dato' Bentara Dalam, Segamat, Johor
4Jabatan Bahasa Inggeris, Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, UiTM Cawangan Melaka
5SRJKT Ganesar Serdang, Kedah
6Kuching District Education Office, Kuching, Sarawak
Correspondence: Isai Amuthan Krishnan ([email protected])
Abstract
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Free online resources are user-friendly technologies which have become available through the Internet
in recent years and gaining popularity during Covid-19. Since learners use smartphones, free online
resources are easily accessible. Books are portable, but learners find it somewhat difficult to learn
English language via books which may only be available in the classroom context, whereas free online
resources are easily accessed. The purpose of this study is to identify learners’ perception learning
English via free online resources and traditional learning. Quantitative and qualitative methods were
employed in the present study. Twenty-five international pre-elementary intensive English students
took part in this study. It was found that learners perceived the free online resources as valuable tools
for learning English in relation to reading, conversation, and vocabulary and also free online resources
help promote free learning norms in learning the English language. The learners also had constructive
attitudes towards free online resources. Free online resources always provide a motivating learning
environment, enhance learners’ analytical and critical thinking skills, and encourage social interaction
between teachers and learners, learners and their peers, and learners and other participants.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) originating from Hubei Province of the People’s Republic of
China has become a current pandemic over the world. Many countries have been affected by this
virus. In late January 2020, a global health emergency state was announced by the WHO Emergency
Committee as COVID-19 confirmed cases have been increasing internationally (McAleer, 2020;
Velavan & Meyer, 2020). COVID-19 has spread in all continents, but Antarctica as of 26 February
2020. Latest news on COVID-19 have overloaded worldwide mass media every day in 2020
(McAleer, 2020).
Our lives have been aligned and shaped by many technologies, and we need to adapt to using current
electronic devices. People around the world are now obtaining education online based on such
resources’ efficacy, making use of online content and taking online courses to prepare for good careers
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(Rahman, Singh & Pandian, 2018). Nonetheless, issues have arisen in terms of quality in content
delivery, assessments, technological limitations, and much more. Such problems demotivate the
students in learning or enhancing their educations (Riel & Polin, 2004) and Schwen and Hara (2004).
Online education providers and teachers have often failed to meet the students’ requirements. It should
be recalled that technology has been updated (Shamim, 2017; Atmojo & Nugroho, 2020).
In today’s world, everything is done for speed, including learning. Learning of language occurs in
many forms and fashions and self-study is one of the most common and significant means of learning
of a language (Small, 2014. From a personal perspective, a learner can progress and enhance her
language knowledge and skills from as little as an hour’s self-study a week. Having said that, we also
cannot disregard the fact that still, a large number of learners opt to study language via online
resources (Marta, 2018; Krishnan, Mello, Kok, Sabapathy, Munian, Ching, Kandasamy, Ramalingam,
Baskaran & Kanan (2020). This is mainly owing to their time constraints. Even as these students
commence their first lessons, they pretty well establish the fact that they do not have time for doing
homework (Leow, Cerezo & Baralt, 2015). This raises the question of how to enable students with
tight schedules to find time for learning a language Paulsen (2001). This question is met with a simple
answer free online learning. Usage of free online learning via free online resources is on the rise.
The increasing number of portable, digital, Android, smart and intelligent devices has been the main
contributor to this (Kress, 2013). This gives a good solution to the issue at hand. Now it is possible to
offer students the flexibility to acquire knowledge at their own convenience, in any place and at any
time (Shahida Naz, Memona Rasheed & Tahir Rasheed, 2019).
Various works of literature, articles, and scholarly publications have been done on ways to make use
of the free Internet resources to aid in the learning of a language (Felix, 2001; Osuna & Meskill, 1998;
Singhal, 1997; Sperling, 1997; Warschauer, 1995; Warschauer, Schetzer, & Meloni, 2000). Likewise,
an abundance of websites present accumulations of online materials for language teachers (Depoe,
2001; Kitao & Kitao, 2000). Many useful suggestions and ideas on how to use online resources as
tools for teaching are also provided by websites. It is very common and easy to find a website today
that provides adequate teaching aids for ESL learning. These resources are mostly provided freely
(Sussex & White, 1996; Warschauer, 2000). According to Li and Hart (1996; Wicks, 2010), the web
acts as an attractive tool for teaching. This is greatly due to its interactive functions and multimedia
capabilities. Thus, online learning increases the motivation for continued learning in students (Meloni,
1998).
Free Online Learning can be defined as instructional environments provided and supported by the
Internet. When we say online learning, it encompasses a spectrum of programs based on the Internet
that can be accessed in or out of school walls (Lin, Zhang & Zheng, 2017). Their main purpose is to
give a resource of teaching and learning materials with instructions and guides. They also act as
facilitation for teachers and learners (Krafcik 2010; Olster 2010). There are several types of online
learning. Some are based purely online, and some incorporate face-to-face interactions (Picciano &
Seaman, 2009; Lin, Zhang & Zheng, 2017).
Blended learning (Watson & Gemin 2008) acts to sandwich online learning and traditional learning.
This approach is known for quality improvement for traditional learning as it merges and enhances
established traditional instruction with online learning. Through this, learners are exposed to the online
world during the Covid-19. Their work is no longer restricted to the teacher but is extended to other
students and people beyond the classroom, which includes a global community (Watson, 2010).
Although the term blended and online are theoretically and commonly implied, blended learning or
instruction consists of many forms and is still evolving in alignment with technology (Barab, Squire &
Dueber, 2000). Despite online and blended instruction bringing transformation to instructional
processes, there is always room for improvement and reduction of costs. With the increase of demand
for online-based learning, especially from secondary school students, it is important to factor in the
details of its implementation so as to ensure that it is more productive than other methods of
instruction.
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The aim of this paper is to provide insights to policymakers as well as educational administrators to be
well informed of the facts about online learning and its potential impacts on productivity in the process
of education. This study offers fundamental knowledge to evaluate and comprehend the potential
contributions derived from online learning, followed by review of the research on how this online
learning provides more benefits in comparison with traditional brick-and-mortar schools.
Literature Review
Weblogs, also referred to as blogs, which in this context, may be characterised as computer-mediated
communication (CMC), provide another resource for online communication (Murray & Hourigan,
2008). These resources are getting much attention lately in the educational arena, especially in
language learning contexts. A weblog is a free, user-friendly technology. It is easily created,
customized, sustained, and regularly updated. The entries in these websites are usually arranged in
reverse chronological order and are often updated with new facts on particular matters. This
information can be written by the owner of the site and can be cited from other websites. Kress (2003)
states that the multimodality feature made weblogs look more attractive to access and keen to know
the content of weblogs. This multimodality feature consists of colours, audio, video files, images, texts
(profile, reflections, and feedback) and hyperlinks to other websites related to the author’s interests
(Du & Wagner, 2007; Smith & Baber, 2005). According to Zhang (2009), weblog posts are usually
arranged in reverse chronological sequence, meaning the latest published entry in the blog will be
placed at the top of the blog, which includes its date. This makes it easier for the reader to identify the
latest or the most recent posts (Zhang, 2009). Furthermore, the blogs can be edited by the blogger
(author) and they can be searchable or archived through a database for future reference (Pinkman,
2005).
There are three types of Weblog which are commonly utilised for the language classroom. These are
learner blogs, class blogs, and tutor blogs. A learner blog offers learners the functionality to post their
understandings and thoughts in relation to their reading. Through this, learners are able to self-express
as well as to develop a sense of ownership. In a class blog, learners can post images, messages, and
links pertaining to classroom discussions. This can facilitate project-based language learning, and it
also can act as a platform for international classroom language exchange (Campbell, 2003). Tutor
blogs are deployed with student reading practices, online exchanges, and linked resources for self-
study.
These free online blogs have been found to produce significantly improved results for English
language education for several reasons. Opportunity for real communications can be seen in these
reliable learning environments. In these weblogs, the audience is able to interact freely, not only the
teacher but inclusive of other people such as classmates and the global online community.
Consequently, weblogs promote an awareness of readership and authorship. With this platform, the
writers put out opinions, happenings, ideas, and information, while allowing other readers to provide
feedback to the blog writers’ posts (Benson & Reyman, 2009; Du & Wagner, 2007; Kavaliauskienơ,
Anusieno, & Mazeikieno, 2006; Oravec, 2002; Ward, 2004). The researchers also stressed that blogs
help the reader to enhance reading and comprehension, improve writing abilities and skills, promote a
learning atmosphere for reading and writing (Pinkman, 2005), and encourage the learner to be
independent (Ward, 2004). According to Du and Wagner (2007), free online resources also have much
more to offer, such as online alternative logs whereby the students can document their learning
experience. Mynard’s (2007) findings also support the advantages that these resources can be
instrumental for linguistic teachers in inspiring learners to add input or comments to other people’s
blogs, which will promote reflections and also enhance their learning experience. In addition, online
learning also boosts students in adopting skills such as critical and analytical thinking. Hence,
whenever a blogger composes their blog, they are very cautious as to what they write or post as they
know that their work will be circulated and viewed in online mode. In response, according to Oravec
(2002) and Zhang (2009), the readers, upon reading, would leave ideas and feedback comments for the
blog owner. Yang (2005) believes that bloggers are motivated and their critical thinking skills are
reinforced by exchanging ideas through an electronic medium. blogging also empowers the formation
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of learning communities and social networks, where the bloggers share their thoughts or convey their
ideas more conveniently. This process allows knowledge to be structured and constructed. Hence,
blogging enables collaborative approaches to take place in the area of writing and reading on websites
(Alexander, 2006; Godwin-Jones, 2003; Kavaliauskieno, Anusieno, & Mazeikieno, 2006; Sevelj,
2006).
The real communication with free online resources includes reading and writing taking place in an
authentic environment with a real audience. It has, therefore, been proven that online learning creates a
genuine platform and learning space for EFL learners. This is important because some learners may
have limited opportunities to develop their language proficiency in an authentic environment. Some
studies have confirmed that students are motivated to read and write using free online, which increases
the interest of the students in EFL learning. It also helps learners to be independent and autonomous
(Pinkman, 2005; Zhang, 2009).
Therefore, the present study is to attempt to fill the gap of the impact of online learning on student’s
experiences, perceptions, and their learning attitudes concerning free online resources. This study also
investigated the distinguishing features between free online learning versus conventional learning in
classrooms and compares the major scope of learning effectiveness.
Methodology
Consent
A consent was obtained from the college as well as the students. Both have agreed to conduct the
present study. The college was not allowed to attach any transcription as an appendix in this article.
Setting
This study was conducted in one of the private colleges. This college is located in the city center of
Kuala Lumpur. The college has been established since 1984. This college offers ACCA programme,
diploma and short courses. Intensive English is one of the short courses.
Sampling
Fifty-five intensive English, pre-elementary-level students participated in this study. They were
international students from 16 countries who came to Malaysia to pursue their tertiary education. They
are between 18 to 24 years old. The data started collecting during the Covid-19 (December 2019-
February 2020.
They were requested to sit for an English placement test before pursuing their studies in foundation
and diploma courses in any disciplines. The English placement test was to determine their English
language proficiency as this is one of the entry requirements of the college. Those students had not
met the requirements to attend a short course, which is an intensive English program. This program
consists of four levels: pre-elementary, elementary, intermediate and advanced.
After completing the intensive English program, they were required to sit for an international exam,
which was the Cambridge ESOL Examination (English Speakers Other Languages) as this is also one
of the entry requirements of the college. The ESOL exam enables students to demonstrate their
command of English. Successful results would indicate that the students could succeed in their tertiary
education without facing any barriers in doing assignments and sitting for examinations as English is
the intended medium of instruction.
The students were strongly requested to incorporate online learning parallel to their classroom learning
throughout their English program. This method is also known as blended learning. They were strongly
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encouraged to learn English language using the free online resources. Students was advised to treat
technology as an intellectual partner and utilize the technology appropriately in learning.
Instrument
In the present study, there were two instruments were utilised. The first was a set of questionnaires to
investigate the learners’ perception and attitudes towards the use of free online resources as compared
to books. The questionnaires were adapted by the studies of Mazeikieno (2006), Mynard (2007) Zhang
(2009) Anusieno and Mazeikieno (2006) and Marta (2018). The questionnaire consists of two
sections; section A on demographic, section B on learners’ perception and attitudes towards the use of
free online resources and books. The questionnaire has been constructed with 4-point Liker Scales;
strongly agree, agrees, disagree and strongly disagree in a very simple English as their English
language proficiency at basic users as per Common European Framework References for Language
(CEFR). Four Likert Scales were chosen to lessen the neutral responses from the participants. This
was supported by Drever (1990) that the questionnaire should be helpful and easy to answer with
desires.
The second was in-depth interview was used as a tool to elicit data. As justified by Creswell (2014)
and Jackson (2012), the in-depth interview is a qualitative method of analysis to ask questions where
participants would be able to promptly answer questions openly and responsively and through
answers, probe more questions (Bernard, 2000; LeCompte & Schensul, 1999; Pathak & Charatdao,
2012). The participants responded well to in-depth interview conducted by the researcher; however,
recording of the interviews was not performed as the participants were not in favour of voice
recording. The researcher had to spend almost 5-6 minutes for each participant, which totalled
approximately two hours and 30 minutes, jotting down their responses.
Reliability testing was conducted on the questionnaire. SPSS version 26 was used the analyse the data.
The result shows 0.8 which is valid according to Howitt and Cramer (2005) who stated that of the
reliability result is above 0.7 the questionnaire is valid to use. Although the questionnaires were
adapted from Mazeikieno (2006), Mynard (2007) Zhang (2009) Anusieno and Mazeikieno (2006) and
Marta (2018), pilot test was done and the result shows 0.855 which is also accepted as noted by Howitt
and Cramer (2005).
All 25 participants were intensive English students. 23% males and 77 females. Most of the
participants between 19-25 years old. 80% of the participants used smart handphones and 20% used
laptops to access to free online learning. The participants were asked about the frequencies they use a
set of online resources. The most predominantly used resources were social media (M=3.55), Google
(M=5.33), YouTube (M=6.75), Blogs (3.53) and book (M=2.33). See Table the mean of participants’
response.
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Table 2: Mean of the Participants’ Response
Table 2 shows the learners’ perception learning English via free online resources and traditional
learning. It was found that 3.99 very high and the standard deviation shows 0.873 which the
participants responded positively that they were more online learning than traditional learning.
Table 3 shows most of the students predominantly preferred online learning was more helpful to the
students with their English Language mastery compared to the results gained through traditional
learning. From the Table 3, it was evident that the adoption and integration of online resources with
traditional methods will lead our education system to the path of success.
The results showed that the participants were engrossed and motivated to use free online resources as
an additional tool for learning English during the Covid-19. This method has offered a variety of
learning prospects.
Based on the in-depth interview with the 55 participants, it was found that online learning acts as
student-oriented learning, where the tools caused the learners to be more versatile. According to the
participants, learning was more meaningful and in-depth as there were opportunities for self-
expression. Based on their responses, this particular tool has engaged learning activities in the four
major components of English language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. It also allowed
learners to further enhance their skills in areas such as grammar, pronunciation, spelling, and
vocabulary development at their own pace.
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By utilizing free online resources, learners were able to perceive the message without having hardcopy
materials, such as a dictionaries or other learning materials such as textbooks, workbooks, or reference
books. For example, referring to a dictionary requires skill, a skill to flip pages according to the
alphabetical system and find the vocabulary that you are seeking. If one does not have that skill,
searching for a meaning of a particular word would take time and eventually a learner would give up
on their search. This contrasts with online dictionaries that are always freely available, which a learner
is only required to key-in a particular word in a search dialogue and just click ‘enter’ to search. Within
a few seconds, a whole page appears providing meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and other useful
information. Learners felt that this is time saving compared to traditional dictionaries that require page
flipping and searching for the words according to the alphabetical system. The functions of the
traditional dictionary and online dictionary are otherwise quite similar. They provide meanings,
grammatical classifications of words, example sentences, and phonetic symbols that assist learners to
pronounce words correctly.
The additional advantage of online dictionaries is that learners have the opportunity to listen to how
the words are pronounced either in British English or American English and they allow learners to
practice saying them. This inspires and enhances learners to acquire the language freely and self-
reliant.
The availability of these online sites allows learners to learn English independently. This instils
confidence in learners for learning the particular language. Apart from assisting their reading skills, e-
dictionaries help learners to gain knowledge in vocabulary development and grammatical
classification of words. E-dictionaries also function as thesauri, providing a vocabulary list with words
of similar and opposite meaning. This tool is very useful for acquiring writing skills. Learners are
inspired to plan, draft, and refer to references, check spelling errors, and so on.
There are also several other factors that contribute to greater impact on learners in learning the English
language via free online resources. There are numerous websites specially designed to teach ESL
(English as a second language) (Atmojo & Nugroho, 2020). These websites become platforms for
learners (students) to utilize as textbooks or workbooks. Meanwhile, teachers also upload relevant
materials for learning. The ESL websites provide updated materials. For instance, the reading
comprehension materials are designed or upgraded to meet current learning requirements. The sites are
also equipped with questions that allow learners to actively participate. The activities posted there are
also in various forms. This provides students with multiple options to practice their comprehension or
improve their competence level. As for promoting vocabulary development, these sites offer many
activities such as matching, word puzzles, cloze passages, or filling in missing letters. These kinds of
activity facilitate the learner in the acquisition of knowledge in a fun environment. At the same time,
they can also check their answers and make immediate corrections, thus allowing them to learn from
their mistakes.
Another factor that gives a good impression to learners about online free resources is the listening
activities. The listening activities available online allow learners to engage with their receptive skills to
skim and scan information while listening. The various listening activities offered range from easy to
difficult depending on the learner’s level. Learners can, for example, choose to start from the basic
level or beginner level. The exercises involved are those such as listening activities, such as giving
directions, eating out, traveling, describing work, and shopping. The exercises include matching and
checking understanding with multiple choice answers. This enables the learners to get engaged with
the activities and check for the correct answers. Meanwhile, learners also have the option to download
the listening file for speaking practice, such as mimicking the conversation. This encourages learners
to speak with confidence by utilizing key phrases used in the activities. The listening activities are
intense and rich, allowing learners to practice speaking with transcripts available for downloading and
viewing. Similar to e-dictionaries, online listening activities are more user friendly to learners
compared to listening activities provided on CD or DVD ROMs along with textbooks. In order to play
a CD or DVD-ROM, learners need to have computers or laptops that have built-in or external optical
drives. Tablets, such as iPads, however, do not have optical drives, and are therefore unable to play the
listening activities. In addition, transcripts for listening activities can only be found in the
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accompanying textbooks, the text printed in the transcripts are also in small sized fonts and at times
difficult to read. Online free listening activities, or e-listening, provides learners with some
configuration options for tasks. Learners can, for example, adjust or increase the size of fonts
displayed on websites for their comfort. The listening activities are easily accessed with most devices
as long there is internet connectivity. Otherwise, learners can download listening activities and
perform the activities at a later time.
Other examples of online activities that are available for free include participating in forums and
discussions as well as creating and writing blogs. According to Godwin-Jones (2003), Alexander
(2006), Kavaliauskieno, Anusieno, and Mazeikieno (2006), and Sewelj (2006), the process of
blogging is an interactive activity that inspires the author to interact directly and exchange information
with readers. Furthermore, blogging promotes learners’ autonomy. This is because it encourages
learners to create weblogs according to the learners’ creativity, expression, and ideas. Learners are
given the autonomy to make decisions on how and when to create a blog, followed by expression and
ideas, which promotes creative thinking. In their blogs, learners have the opportunity to be expressive
in their writing, being creative in using styles of text for publishing as well as uploading pictures and
videos to make the blogs attractive for readers to view.
Furthermore, blogging gives the young generation experience with the internet community that
connects readers globally. Through blogging, learners practice their writing skills, developing
vocabulary, constructing sentences, and learning to write cohesively. Learners are inspired to compose
writing that involves planning, context, and organization, which is more exciting than paper-based
writing. This is because their writing styles will be published in the weblog, reaching readers.
Lecturers and teachers from colleges and universities also play an important role in promoting
learners’ blogging. They (lecturers and teachers) encourage learners to create and write blogs as a part
of the learning program as both active and passive learners can participate. Blogging also helps
passive learners to self-express in weblogs, reinforces language learning, and, at the same time,
enhances their writing skills. This is aligned with the outcomes from research conducted by Ward
(2004), Pinkman (2005), and Zhang (2009), which found that learners gave positive feedback in
writing weblogs as it assisted them in enhancing their writing skills and in interacting socially.
Therefore, blogging promotes learners in social interaction, engages learners in a learning community
and enhances learners’ analytical and critical thinking skills. This platform encourages learners to
exchange ideas and opinions globally.
Forum and group discussion is another online activity in which learners could participate freely. A
forum is a platform where people from similar backgrounds share their comments on certain topics. It
provides opportunities for exchanging ideas, views, and interests. Learners are given the ability to
comment and share opinions, thus empowering them to be methodical and critical. This is in aligned
with the findings of Oravec (2002), that online meetings and discussions allow learners to be more
analytical when exchanging information.
In brief, the factors presented earlier demonstrated the impact of free online resources on current
trends in learning styles. The Internet provides various resources and promotes self-expression and
independent learning. It fosters learners to be more critical and analytical when giving views and
expression. Learners are motivated in this environment as it gives a sense of ownership and readership.
Therefore, it enhances learners in social interaction between readers, forum users, friends, teachers,
and the global audience and increases the autonomy of learning, which is crucial for young learners.
Through this advancement, learning a second language becomes easy and fun.
Since the inception of the internet and free online resources, many lectures actively converted to
online lectures, or e-lectures, for learners. The traditional classroom learning still continues, but e-
lectures enable learners to continue learning at any convenient time. For example, if a learner had to be
absent for a particular lesson, he or she can still be updated on the lessons and partake in the
assignments and online discussions. This motivates learners to be consistent in learning the target
language (Twigg, 2003a, 2003b). Classroom teachers and lecturers could make the e-lectures or e-
learning more interactive by adding games, and other fun tasks. These games may take the form of
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situational activities. Games will expose learners to new vocabulary, phrases, and making decisions,
which are higher-order thinking skills.
Another strong reason for encouraging learners to use free online resources for learning is
accessibility. It is easy to get access online since most cafes, restaurants, and buildings have wireless
Internet connectivity. This makes online learning convenient. Learners can refer to online resources at
their own pace. They can complete tasks, refer to dictionaries, and write essays or blogs while having
a drink or meal. Easy access to free online resources offer learners the opportunity to practice reading
and writing, and to communicate with others. Both passive and active learners are encouraged to
interact, share experiences, information, and ideas. Moreover, communicating with peers makes
learning more meaningful as learners begin to develop strategies for learning from their classmates’
styles of writing or other modes of communication. With the addition of smartphones, online resource
learning is made available. In other words, smartphones usually come with Internet data plans
purchased as packages from cellular service providers, making the Internet accessible most anyplace,
any time of the day. Learners are able to access while waiting for transportation, in transportation, or
in restaurants and cafes. This makes learning easily accessible anywhere and anytime.
Overall findings showed that students display positive attitudes toward free online resources. Without
exception, all students agreed that they liked the free online materials because they realised that those
materials and the associated exercises found on the websites contributed to their English language
proficiency. They managed to develop their reading and writing skills by learning proper grammar and
building up vocabulary. Furthermore, they also gained exposure to blogging. They realised that
developing, publishing, and editing blogs was easy. Learners were attracted by the documenting
experiences and the commenting facilities. Otherwise, some students liked the variety of templates and
opportunities to design the appearance of their blogs. Eight students were affirmative about interacting
with a real audience, sharing ideas and views exchanges; therefore, the activity created opportunities
to make friends . They felt that free online learning changed their perspectives towards learning.
Students agreed that their creativity was heightened by creating their blogs in multimodality as they
started to publish text and add pictures and photos in order to make the blogs look attractive. They
found it motivating that their blogs were more sophisticated compared to their paper-based writing.
Such exposure is very invigorating for young age group learners who are in tune with Internet
technology. Almost all the learners indicated their plans to carry on pursuing their learning online. The
students also expressed that they could write without restrictions, pressures, or anxieties in comparison
with their peers. They were capable of writing on the topics fixed by the instructor because of they
were able to get assistance from their online learning as well as their friends. Regarding the blog
viewers, 19 students preferred both the teacher and the peers to read and provide commentaries on
their blog entries. They liked concepts, view exchanges, beneficial criticism, and teacher correction on
the writing. Only one student wanted only her classmates to be the audience.
Nevertheless, the students also witnessed some restrictions on online learning, such as Internet
connectivity, digital devices, blogging skills, limited language competence. Certain students even
pointed out some weaknesses in free online resources, such as being time-consuming, the occurrence
of plagiarism, lack of teacher feedback and correction, and bloggers’ disclosure of their personal
information.
Some of the challenges that could be faced by both teachers and the learners are those such as
familiarisation with the use of online tools, the capacity to use the medium to draw maximum
advantages, teachers being available at times of need, and the ability to provide feedback and quick
responses to learners. As for the institutions, they might find some challenges in the cost of
implementing online learning facilities. Institutions will need to anticipate the per student costs and the
total costs for online learning versus other more traditional methods of learning. Comparatively high
total costs may be more palatable if courses can be leveraged across a wider student audience.
Optionally, an institution could also transfer some cost to students and their parents by encouraging
them to own any necessary multimedia devices such as computers, laptops, printers, or scanners for
the purpose of online education. However, there are also some limitations in internet access for some
of areas which could cause another set of problems.
As the overall findings show, although the online learning was more effective than traditional learning,
and, in fact, blended learning proved to be more productive, much more exploration is required to
know how, when, and under what circumstances online learning can produce the greatest productivity
gains for all students.
Conclusion
The findings from this analysis proved that students agreed that the Internet is a useful tool for the
medium of instruction. It can be a supplement to in-class instruction, which will enhance better
learning. The students considered it as a suitable way to learn English through teacher-recommended
ESL websites. However, the students need some guidance from teachers concerning appropriate sites
and how to apply them. This finding reflects Paulsen’s (2001) remark stating that it is very important
to guide students in the use of Internet resources so that they are not misled.
It was evident that the adoption and integration of online resources with traditional methods will lead
our education system to success. To make this happen, there are various actions needed to be taken in
the areas of education policy, curriculum planning, professional development, infrastructure,
community engagement, and access. Realistically, implementation of this approach is not as easy as
just setting up computers and getting them connected to the internet. The concern is how the entire
education system can adopt this technology as a tool for effective learning by blending aspects of
teaching and learning. This view was supported by the finding of Kozma (2005) that placing
technology in a school is not an easy option for improving student’s learning capacity. The real
challenge is in creating consistent relationships between student learning and Information
Communication Technology (ICT). Students must treat technology as an intellectual partner and
concentrate their learning with technology.
As for the educator’s role, the approaches used by them to guide students in making webpages which
link to other relevant or recommended sites, coaching students in online navigation, and familiarising
them with content found on selected sites were useful and indeed obligatory. Nevertheless, the
fulfilment gained from the use of these strategies deployed by the teachers and the contents found in
the websites overshadowed the dissatisfaction caused by the difficulty in accessing the assigned
websites (Krishnan et al, 2020). Students find it very much disheartening when they spent too much
time getting connected to and disconnected from the internet. They observed this problem as an
impediment preventing them from completing their assignments on time.
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The data also showed that certain students were not very keen on using online materials such as the
ESL websites for their supplementary knowledge except when they were forced to do it. These
findings were derived from the follow up done on similar students some months later. The results
revealed that students no longer accessed any ESL websites on their own accord for the reason that
they did not have access to the online content all the time, as well as having insufficient time for the
ESL learning. They found that it was much easier to gain access to traditional methods.
Based on the above findings, some proposals have been forwarded for further research. Moving
forward with rapid changes in information technology, it is very important that younger generations
are not left out especially generation Z. By promoting the use of online learning facilities in their
language learning, they are indirectly forced to keep aligned with the changes in the world of
information technology (IT). However, it is not possible to attain this goal by placing the whole
responsibility on the students alone, in fact, many other parties are also required to play their crucial
roles in making this successful. An International body called International Society for Technology and
Education (ISTE) was established for this matter. They represent educators, and have developed
standards of operation for learners, educators, and administrators. Based on their findings, it is
recommended that the teachers should develop the skills to inspire and facilitate students for creative
learning. They must use their expertise, their learning, and technology for the advancement of
students. The teachers should also plan, develop, and assess reliable learning experiences and
assessments, integrating modern-day tools and resources to take full advantage of content learning to
develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes pertaining to the standards of the students.
Furthermore, encouraging ESL learners to design their own websites is also worthwhile in exploring
the possibility of incorporating other authentic web-based materials such as commercial websites and
online reference books as part of an ESL curriculum. Researchers should also conduct studies to
determine whether online learning achieves the targeted language proficiency through blended
learning, especially for ESL/EFL learners, and it is important to integrate various websites to improve
their English language proficiency from more internet resources.
Acknowledgement
My special thanks to Dr. Sridevi Sriniwass, Senior Lecturer, Department of English Language
(Faculty of Languages & Linguistics, University of Malaya) for planting this seed in my head and
creating my passion for this study.
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Authors’ Biodata
1. Isai Amutan Krishnan is currently doing his PhD at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics,
University of Malaya (UM), and his area of interests are in human resource development &
management, ELT, and performing arts. He is also a freelance consultant locally and abroad.
2. Hee Sio Ching obtained her Masters in ESL from UM and is currently a trainer who
specialises in English at the workplace, offering presentation & communication skill courses. She
is also a part-time lecturer with HELP university where she explores students into the field of
communication, writing skills, personal branding & career Management, ESP as well as language
in public relation.
3. Selvajothi Ramalingam (PhD) joined as a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Languages and
Linguistics at the University of Malaya (Department of Malaysian Languages and Applied
Linguistics) in 2018. Before he joined the faculty, he was a teacher in secondary school and
assistant director in Ministry of Education. He completed his Doctoral program in Sociolinguistics,
Masters of Modern Languages Studies, and Bachelor of Arts at University Malaya. He also
obtained a Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Translation. His main research interests are
Sociolinguistics, Applied Linguistics in general, Tamil Linguistics, and Teaching Tamil Language
in particular. Areas of particular interest include Language Shift and Maintenance,
Ethnolinguistics, Language and Identity, Language and Culture, Minority languages, Mother
tongue education, and Translanguaging.
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Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (MJSSH), Volume 5, Issue 9, (page 1 - 15), 2020
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4. Elanttamil Maruthai is a lecturer in the Department of Malaysian Languages and Applied
Linguistics, Faculty of Languages & Linguistics, University of Malaya. His area of expertise is
Applied Linguistics (discourse and genre studies, corpus linguistics).
5. Pushpa Kandasamy is currently a secondary school English teacher in the State of Johor,
Malaysia. She has been attached to the field of education (Ministry of Education, Malaysia) for 22
years and was awarded for her excellent service and contributions in this field thrice. She has also
been appointed as the Excellent Teacher in the year 2017 by the Board of Federal Inspectors of
Excellent Teacher Award. She has showcased her innovation during MELTA Conference besides
presenting her innovations and was blessed with a few championship awards in the district and
state level. She obtained her Masters Degree in The University of Malaya in 2015 and currently
working as a teacher besides holding the post of Master Trainer for the district and state level
programmes.
7. Saravanan Munian, obtained his degree in Indian Studies from University of Malaya in 2008. He
also obtained Diploma in Education from Teachers' Training Institute. He is currently a teacher in
SRJKT Ganesar Serdang, Kedah. He is also interested in research in innovative, teaching and
learning. Apart from teaching, he involves in corporate social responsibility.
8. Wong Woei Ling (Faith) is a School Improvement Specialist Coach attached to the District
Education Office. She brags over 20 years of experience in the education field and has presented
papers locally and internationally. Her domain of interests are human communication disorders,
discourse analysis and technology in the realm of education.
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