ERIC Number: EJ1424342
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jun
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1056-7941
EISSN: EISSN-1949-3533
Interest in and Barriers to Online ESOL Instruction for Adults during and beyond COVID-19: Exploring Relationships with Sociodemographics and English Proficiency
Jessica G. Cox; Lauren Y. Chen; Harriet Okatch
TESOL Journal, v15 n2 e778 2024
Digital divides mean that marginalized groups such as adults who speak English as a second or other language (ESOL) are less likely to have access to online instruction. Higher levels of English proficiency are associated with better health and employment; therefore, access to ESOL classes is essential. We investigated how sociodemographics and English proficiency relate to adult learners' preferences for, and barriers to, online instruction of ESOL during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty-one adults completed a survey on their pandemic experiences, demographics, and ESOL classes. Analyses showed nonsignificant relationships between interest in online instruction and internet access, education, income, and age. Respondents reported expecting more nondigital than digital barriers to online instruction overall. Expecting to encounter digital barriers did not constrain respondents' interest in future online instruction; however, beginner-proficiency individuals had higher interest than those with intermediate or no proficiency. Of the five specific types of remote instruction included in the survey, learning to use new technologies interested most respondents the most. Results will inform ESOL practitioners and administrations as they continue to develop online or digital literacies components for their classes.
Descriptors: Barriers, Electronic Learning, English (Second Language), Adults, COVID-19, Pandemics, Access to Computers, Disadvantaged, Language Proficiency, Social Influences, Demography, Second Language Learning
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2191/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A