Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Language Learning: Exploring Perceptions of Undergraduate Students of English Language

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of undergraduate students of English language about advantages and disadvantages of online language learning. The participants consisted of 30 Iranian undergraduate students (Male= 12, Female=18) from two branches of Azad University in Tehran, Iran. They were studying English Translation Studies and Teaching English as a Foreign Language, ranging in age from 18 to 25 years old. The analysis of students’ interviews showed that most of them had positive attitudes toward using online learning programs in EFL contexts. The results also indicated that students highly perceived its usefulness for practicing and improving their language skills, especially for listening and reading skills. mentioned the benefits of the online learning in terms of providing more effective individual tasks and assignments and providing practical and level-friendly content were the other benefits emphasized by the participants. Given the disadvantages of online learning, they held the view that time limitation, technical problems, and poor Internet connection were the most challenges of online language learning. Instructors and policy makers are suggested to address students’ challenges to help create effective online learning for undergraduate students of English language.