The implementation of e-learning approach in EFL education: an organizational perspective

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to perceive the perceptions of the organizational staffs towards the implementation of e-learning in teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Afghanistan universities. EFL is a compulsory subject which is taught in schools and universities of Afghanistan using traditional methods of grammar-translation. Globally, the use and integration of ICT provided the institutions a variety of opportunities to enhance teaching and learning circumstances. However, the higher education institutions of Afghanistan are behind of these fast stream of educational innovations. Therefore, the current study intends to apply a qualitative method with a semi-structured interview to investigate on the barriers and opportunities of implementing e-learning in EFL education. The respondents are 7 organizational staffs of particular public and private universities who are purposefully selected. The data is collected through semi-structured interview. The method for data analysis is thematic. The findings indicate that lack of enough ICT tools, lack of equipped computer labs, low internet connections, electricity failures, limited class hours, and lack of ICT knowledge of the teachers and the students are considered as the barriers for e-learning implantations by organizational staffs. It is also highlighted that e-learning is strongly encouraged and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education in order to facilitate an appropriate learning environment. The study contributes to the steps on the successful implementation of e-learning in Afghanistan universities.