Investigating EFL Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of Effective Online Language Learning

The study examined Iranian undergraduate students’ perceptions of effective online language learning. In this study, effective online learning is defined as approaches of teaching and learning that engage learners with their own learning path. The participants were 301 undergraduate students of English Translation and Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The instruments consisted of a questionnaire on effective online language learning followed by a semi-structured interview. The findings revealed that the participants mostly had a positive frame of mind regarding online language learning and found it encouraging. The results also showed that teacher professional development, students’ readiness, flexible and supportive learning atmosphere, various types of online formative assessment, and multimodal online instructional practices were reported as the most important factors contributing to effective online language learning. To construct an effective online learning environment, instructors are recommended to enhance students and teachers’ awareness of online language learning and educational technology-based tools.