Challenges in Teaching English Online: A Descriptive Analysis

Authors

  • Dhuha Adil Alsalihi

    Department of English, College of Arts, Al-Esraa University, Baghdad 10011, Iraq
  • Abbas Hussein Tarish

    Department of Translation, College of Arts, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
  • Ali Abdulhamzah Abdul.Z

    Information Technology Center, University of Karbala, Karbala 56001, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8926
Received: 3 March 2025 | Revised: 25 March 2025 | Accepted: 27 March 2025 | Published Online: 19 April 2025

Abstract

Online learning platforms have emerged as transformative tools in the realm of education, offering significant benefits to both teaching and learning processes. These platforms allow educators to effectively deliver course content through a range of digital technologies, including computers, tablets, and interactive software. Such integration not only modernizes the instructional approach but also broadens access to educational resources beyond the constraints of physical classrooms. For students, especially those enrolled in traditional face-to-face programs, online learning offers enhanced flexibility—enabling continued engagement with course materials during periods of absence or when in-class comprehension proves challenging. Moreover, online platforms contribute to improved learning outcomes by fostering active student engagement through diverse digital tools such as multimedia resources, interactive assessments, and collaborative online environments. However, despite these advantages, the transition to digital instruction is not without its challenges, particularly in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. This study adopts a quantitative research design to explore the specific challenges encountered by EFL teachers in online teaching environments. Data were gathered through a structured survey administered to 56 EFL instructors, who were asked to indicate their level of agreement with six targeted questions relating to obstacles commonly faced in virtual English instruction. Statistical methods were employed to analyze the data, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the findings. Results of the study reveal several significant challenges that hinder the effectiveness of online EFL teaching, including issues related to technological limitations, student participation, and instructional adaptability. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these barriers to optimize both teacher performance and student achievement in online language education settings. The study concludes by highlighting the need for targeted professional development and institutional support to better equip teachers for the demands of digital .instruction.

Keywords:

TEFL; EFL; Online Teaching; Linguistics; Teaching Methods

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How to Cite

Adil Alsalihi, D., Tarish, A. H., & Abdul.Z, A. A. (2025). Challenges in Teaching English Online: A Descriptive Analysis. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(4), 1122–1136. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8926

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (April 2025)

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Dhuha Adil Alsalihi, Abbas Hussein Tarish, Ali Abdulhamzah Abdul.Z

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.