University English Language Teachers’ Use of Digital Platforms for Online Teaching

Abstract

Digital disruptions have affected higher learning institutions and forced educators across the globe to use digital platforms for online teaching. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study that investigated (1) the use of digital platforms for teaching online at a Malaysian university and (2) how university English language teachers used digital platforms for online teaching and learning. An online questionnaire survey was completed by 19 university English language teachers who volunteered to take part. Cross-tabulation analysis with frequency count and percentage distribution was used to analyse data, and short open-ended responses were coded for themes. Online web meeting platforms for synchronous language classes, learning management systems for task-based language learning, and cross-platform instant messaging applications for interactions and class discussions were the most popular digital platforms among university English language teachers. Teachers optimised those three platforms for teaching online and found that they were adequate for teaching online when facing students’ problematic internet accessibility. Finally, this paper offers suggestions for the effective use of those digital platforms for teaching online at a university when internet access is an issue