The Effects of E-learning during the Pandemic on Students’ Writing Skill.

Abstract

The COVID-19 onset is one of the key motives for shifting from face-to-face instruction to the adoption of electronic learning in Algeria, particularly in Mila University Center as a measurement to save formal education. This current research paper attempts to investigate the effect of e-learning during the COVID-19 timeframe on English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing skills, as well as their awareness of the concept in general and its implementation. As a result, the hypothesis embraced states that the application of online learning would have a negative effect on EFL students’ writing proficiency. The research is conducted through employing questionnaires to analyze the students’ and teachers’ perceptions on the issue. The first survey was submitted to 80 students from the English department of Abd El Hafid Boussouf Mila University Center, out of a total population of 211. On the other hand, the second survey was administered to 10 teachers of written expression module who belong to the same department. The findings of the students’ questionnaire revealed that e-learning has a negative effect on their writing performance due to shortage practice chances, the bsence of guidance, as well as their poor awareness about the method, lack of technological training and appropriate materials. Additionally, the obtained data from the teachers’ survey display that the adoption of e-learning has decreased the learners’ writing performance because of lack of motivation and interest.