Using E-learning among EFL Students at Moulay Ismail University: Perspectives, Prospects, and Challenges
Haytham Elaoufy
Abstract:
The educational process has been dramatically transformed by technology; this
transformation has caused the emergence of central concepts, among which is distance
learning. The latter has brought new opportunities to learn from; meanwhile, it has
presented challenges that have impacted learning in many ways. Thus, the present study
investigated the implementation of E-learning among EFL students at Moulay Ismail
University to identify students' perceptions about this type of learning and consider the pros
and cons to ensure best practice solutions that endorse online learning quality. The study
included 315 students at Moulay Ismail University in Morocco who completed an online
questionnaire and used descriptive analysis because the data was presented in simple
summaries that aimed to describe the basic features of the data and measures. The
findings, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that e-learning is still in its early stages.
At the same time, students are not entirely prepared to supersede traditional learning with
distance education due to some reasons, in particular, such as lack of university support
in offering resources to learn online, lack of internet connection, malfunction of
technological tools, etc. All in all, EFL students prefer blended learning because it allows
them to combine a new technological experience with a traditional one. Meaning that elearning should not be excluded entirely from the educational system, but it can be used
only as a support to foster EFL students' academic achievements.
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