The paper "Online Teaching Shift: A New AI Panacea Pedagogical Paradigm. ESP Course for EFL Learners at King Khalid University. A Case Study" by Dr. Abdelhamid Bessaid explores the rapid transition to online education necessitated by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses at King Khalid University in Saudi Arabia, the study examines how educational institutions were compelled to adopt new online pedagogical paradigms to replace traditional face-to-face teaching. The research highlights the challenges faced during this shift, including the need for digital literacy among both educators and learners, the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools, and the importance of aligning online teaching methods with the Saudi National Quality Framework (NQF). Through qualitative methods, including feedback from 21 ESP graduate students, the study assesses the effectiveness of the online shift and the implementation of a virtual classroom tailored to meet the specific needs of EFL learners.
The findings reveal that while the transition to online teaching posed significant challenges, such as technical issues and the necessity for new teaching strategies, it also offered opportunities to enhance language learning through authentic, context-based materials and interactive digital tools. The study emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching methods to accommodate learners' professional requirements and fostering an environment that supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Recommendations include encouraging group discussions, promoting creativity, implementing anti-plagiarism measures, and providing comprehensive training for both teachers and students to effectively utilize ICT applications. The paper concludes that establishing a robust online pedagogy that addresses learners' needs and leverages educational technology is crucial for successful language education in unprecedented circumstances, advocating for continuous development and quality assurance in online teaching practices.