Investigating the Effectiveness of Synchronous E-Learning Tools on Developing EFL Learners' Language Communication Skills Among the Hashemite University Students

Abstract

After COVID-19, today’s language classes have become blended with e-learning tools that have become indispensable to the process of learning in many situations. Synchronous e-learning classrooms have been studied for their impact on EFL communication skills, but few studies have been conducted in the Jordanian institutions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the EFL students’ viewpoints on the efficiency of online classrooms in improving their verbal communication abilities. This study consisted of 284 participants who were EFL learners from the Hashemite University. It was conducted during the academic year 2022-2023, and it followed a mixed qualitative approach. Two means of data collection were used: a questionnaire and observations. The results indicated that students have a positive viewpoint toward online learning effectiveness in developing their communication. Nevertheless, students showed that low self-assurance, nervousness over making errors, and poor lexical knowledge are their main concerns when communicating in EFL classrooms.