Emergency Remote Language Learning: Student perspectives of L2 learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

As teachers and students have abruptly shifted from traditional classroombased learning to online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to evaluate the attitudes of learners towards remote foreign language learning, particularly among Japanese students who often have little to no experience with the learning method. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to evaluate Japanese L2 students’ opinions of remote language learning. Through a pre-/post-survey study design, the study also investigated if there was a significant difference between the participants’ initial perceptions of online language learning and their attitudes after a semester of study. A total of 208 students from three Japanese universities completed both the pre and post-surveys, which were primarily comprised of Likert-scale items based on five Technology Acceptance Model constructs (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitudes towards use, anxiety, and behavioral intention). Data from reflective reports was also obtained from a select group of participants to gain a deeper understanding of the learners’ views. Pertinent findings and pedagogical implications are discussed so that language teachers can make informed decisions about their own remote teaching contexts. © 2021 Gilbert Dizon & Benjamin Thanyawatpokin