The Controversy of Online Learning in English Language Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v13i1.6603Keywords:
Online learning; English language education; Student engagement; Social interaction; Educational technologyAbstract
This study aims to examine the controversy of online learning in English language education, highlighting its impact on accessibility, student engagement, and communication skills development. The focus of the study is on an in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of online learning at Mukhtar Syafaat, an educational institution that has implemented this method intensively post-pandemic. The research method uses a mixed approach with interviews, observations, and documentation, which aims to obtain qualitative and quantitative data that support a more comprehensive understanding. The results of the study indicate that online learning provides flexibility and ease of access, but faces significant challenges in increasing student engagement and social interaction. The lack of interactive pedagogical design and minimal support for collaborative technology are the main causes of dysfunction in several aspects of learning. However, with better technology integration and a collaborative approach, online learning has great potential to support inclusive and adaptive education. The contribution of this study is to provide a new perspective in the development of more effective online learning methods, especially for English language education. This study is also an important reference for educators, policy makers, and technology developers in creating online learning systems that support the development of language skills holistically.
References
Alamer, A., Al Khateeb, A., & Jeno, L.M. (2023). WhatsApp usage improves language learners’ self-motivation and achievement and reduces learning anxiety: a self-determination theory approach. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 39 (2), 417–431.
Alenezi, M., Wardat, S., & Akour, M. (2023). The need for integrating digital education in higher education: Challenges and opportunities. Sustainability, 15(6), 4782.
Amponsah, S., & Bekele, T.A. (2023). Exploring strategies to engage blind students in online learning. Education and Information Technology, 28 (8), 9355–9377.
Aroonsrimarakot, S., Laiphrakpam, M., Chathiphot, P., Saengsai, P., & Prasri, S. (2023). Challenges of online learning in Thailand and strategies to overcome them from students' perspectives. Education and Information Technology, 28 (7), 8153–8170.
Benjamin-Ohwodede, J., Mamudu, A., & Awunor, S. N. (2024). The Effectiveness of Hybrid Learning in English Pronunciation Pedagogy in Nigerian ESL Context. JELITA, 5(1), 81–103.
Bani, M., & Masruddin, M. (2021). Development of an Android-based harmonic oscillation pocketbook for senior high school students. JOTSE: Journal of Technology and Science Education, 11(1), 93-103.
Ciloglu, T., & Ustun, AB (2023). The effect of mobile AR-based biology learning experience on students' motivation, self-efficacy, and attitude in online learning. Journal of Science and Technology Education, 32 (3), 309–337.
Ghanbari, N., & Nowroozi, S. (2021). Online assessment practices in EFL contexts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: teachers’ views. Language Testing in Asia, 11 (1), 27.
González, C., Ponce, D., & Fernández, V. (2023). Teachers' experiences of teaching online during COVID-19: implications for postpandemic professional development. Educational Technology Research and Development, 71(1), 55–78.
Gubelas, MJJ, & Castro, FMF (2023). Determining ergonomic assessment factors that influence students' learning motivation and academic achievement during online classes. Sustainability, 15 (3), 1970.
Królak, A., & Zając, P. (2024). Accessibility analysis of selected massive open online courses (MOOCs) for users with disabilities. Universal Access in the Information Society, 23 (1), 191–202.
Króliczewska, B., Pecka-Kiełb, E., & Bujok, J. (2023). Strategies used to reduce methane emissions from ruminants: Controversies and issues. Agriculture, 13 (3), 602.
Kwon, S., Kim, W., Bae, C., Cho, M., Lee, S., & Dreamson, N. (2021). Identity changes in online learning and teaching: instructors, learners, and learning management systems. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18, 1–18.
Laamanen, M., Ladonlahti, T., Puupponen, H., & Kärkkäinen, T. (2024). Does law matter? An empirical study of the accessibility of Finnish higher education institutions' web pages. Universal Access in the Information Society, 23 (1), 475–491.
Lei, M., & Medwell, J. (2021). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pre-service teachers: How the shift to online collaborative learning affects pre-service teachers’ learning and future teaching in a Chinese language context. Asia Pacific Education Review, 22 (2), 169–179.
Lockee, BB (2021). Online education in the post-COVID era. Nature Electronics, 4 (1), 5–6.
Madehang, M., Masruddin, M., & Iksan, M. (2024). Reflecting on the Implementation of Online English Learning in Islamic Higher Education: Lecturers and Students’ Perspectives. International Journal of Asian Education, 5(3), 183-197.
Masruddin, Hartina, S., Arifin, M. A., & Langaji, A. (2024). Flipped learning: facilitating student engagement through repeated instruction and direct feedback. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2412500.
Martins, J., Gonçalves, R., & Branco, F. (2024). Bibliometric analysis and visualization of e-learning adoption using VOSviewer. Universal Access in the Information Society, 23 (3), 1177–1191.
Oraif, I., & Elyas, T. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on learning: An investigation of EFL learners’ engagement in online courses in Saudi Arabia. Educational Sciences, 11 (3), 99.
Othman, A., Chemnad, K., Hassanien, A.E., Tlili, A., Zhang, C.Y., Al-Thani, D., Altınay, F., Chalghoumi, H., S. Al-Khalifa, H., & Obeid, M. (2024). Accessible Metaverse: A Theoretical Framework for Accessibility and Inclusion in the Metaverse. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 8 (3), 21.
Said, GR El. (2023). Opportunities and challenges of metaverse-based learning: a phenomenological study of human-computer interaction Metaverse. Electronics, 12 (6), 1379.
Sein-Echaluce, M.L., Fidalgo-Blanco, A.M., Balbín, A.M., & García-Peñalvo, F.J. (2024). Flipped Learning 4.0. A flipped classroom model extended with Education 4.0 and organizational learning processes. Universal Access in the Information Society, 23 (3), 1001–1013.
Seymour, M. (2024). Enhancing the online learning experience through the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to learning and teaching research methods. Education and Information Technology, 29 (3), 2767–2785.
Shrestha, S., Haque, S., Dawadi, S., & Giri, R. A. (2022). Preparation and practice of online education during the Covid-19 pandemic: A study in Bangladesh and Nepal. Education and Information Technology, 27 (1), 243–265.
Uygun, E., & Cesur, K. (2024). Teaching English for general purposes through MOOCs in higher education: A quasi-experimental study to explore its impact on learner achievement and satisfaction. Education and Information Technology, 1–21.
van Der Stap, N., van den Bogaart, T., Rahimi, E., & Versendaal, J. (2024). Fostering online interactions in blended learning through social presence and convergence: A systematic literature review. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning.
Xiong, L., & Tang, J. (2021). Strategies and challenges in the selectivity of photocatalytic oxidation of organic substances. Advanced Energy Materials, 11 (8), 2003216.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Citation Check
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Puji Astuti, Ahmad Faruk

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under an Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See the Effect of Open Access)