Student Perceptions of Online Interpreting Teaching and Learning via the Zoom Platform

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to engage in the ubiquitous use of virtual interpreting teaching and learning. The sudden shift of teaching mode has resulted in unplanned challenges. The main concerns among teachers and students include teaching quality and learning effectiveness. To examine the effectiveness of interpreting teaching and learning online, we conducted a survey about students’ perceptions of satisfaction concerning online interpreting teaching and learning via an online platform. This survey is composed of questions to measure student satisfaction from six aspects, namely, instructor, technology, setup, interaction, outcomes, and overall. Results showed that the shift to abrupt online interpreting teaching and learning did not have any significant impact on teaching quality and learning effectiveness. Findings also highlighted the need for further investigation of self-regulation and self-directiveness in online interpreting teaching and learning. Essential pedagogical tasks can be conducted online (e.g., triangulation exercises, relays, handover, and channel switching). Implications are provided based on the findings.