Virtual EFL Classes during COVID-19 in Bangladesh: Pros and Cons with Possible Solutions at Tertiary Level

• Main Author: Mithila Afrin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lasting Impressions Press 2020-07-01
• Series: International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies
• Subjects: virtual classes; covid-19; pros & cons; efl; bangladesh; pandemic
• Online Access: http://www.eltsjournal.org/archive/value8%20issue2/8-8-2-20.pdf
• ISSN: 2308-5460; 2308-5460

This paper will explore the impact of sudden emergency virtual EFL classes in developing countries like Bangladesh due to COVID-19 pandemic based on a survey done on the learners of tertiary level in East Delta University. Students of East Delta University, Bangladesh has shifted to virtual platform using Google Classroom when the lockdown started due to Corona virus. But unfortunately, maximum tertiary level institutions are still unable to start and continue online classes in Bangladesh like some other developing countries. This paper is the analyzed feedback from both teacher and learner sides after experiencing online EFL classes during lockdown. Since the study is done in the perspective of developing countries like Bangladesh, the financial and technological limitations are also considered. Some interviews were arranged by author via Google Classroom to know EFL students’ views about online classes, the problems that they face, their expectations etc. It will also demonstrate some solutions to overcome the pitfalls and to spice up the EFL classes to the new online learners. Some most applied educational technologies and applications are discussed to turn the online EFL classes effectively exciting. These all make EFL classes interactive which turns it to a learners’ centered class since teachers’ centered classes are sometimes monotonous to students. It will show how learners will learn easily to accept any “new normal” not only during pandemic emergency but also in future to get the best out of the worst.