The paper titled "Exploring the Interactions and Perceptions of EFL Instructors in the Saudi Online Learning Environment" by Ali Hussein Alamir focuses on understanding the dynamics of online interactions between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors and their Saudi students in a tertiary education setting. The research investigates how these interactions occur, the roles instructors play, and how these interactions influence the students' language learning.
The purpose of the study is to examine the nature of interactions and the perceptions of EFL instructors within the online learning environment in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it seeks to explore how instructors' online presence and corrective feedback affect students' linguistic accuracy and engagement during online discussions.
The study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilizing data collected from the transcripts of online interactions and structured interviews with three non-Saudi EFL instructors who interacted with 130 Saudi undergraduate students over a semester. The analysis is conducted through content analysis and a template developed for analyzing online interactions. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used to analyze the data.
Key findings reveal that the three instructors exhibited different interactional behaviors and played distinct roles during online discussions. It was observed that instructors' online presence and the provision of corrective feedback had a positive impact on students' attention to linguistic accuracy. The study also found that the quantity and quality of instructors' interactions varied, influenced by individual differences among instructors and their professional responsibilities.
The study concludes that instructor-student online interactions are beneficial for enhancing students' linguistic accuracy and engagement. The instructors' presence and feedback are crucial in fostering a supportive online learning environment. The findings suggest that further research is needed to explore more strategies to promote effective L2 interaction in online environments.