Learning languages online in Ghanaian higher education during COVID-19 from the perspective of students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22633/rpge.v30iesp1.20896

Keywords:

Learning languages, Online education, Higher education, Perceptions of students

Abstract

The study aims to examine students’ perceptions regarding the online learning of languages, including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Ghanaian languages, at the higher education level in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, a quantitative survey approach was adopted. The data were collected from 138 purposively selected undergraduate students via an online questionnaire and an observation form developed by the researchers. The obtained data were snalsed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that more than half of the participating students preferred learning languages online. The challenges faced included internet connectivity problem, lack of internet access, limited technological proficiency among learners, lecturers’ limited knowledge of online platforms, frequent power outages, and absence of electricity in some communities.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Michael Owusu Tabiri, Ghana Communication Technology University

Language Centre/Department of Information Systems, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana.

Ilgin Mirici, TED University

Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Educational Sciences, TED University, Ankara, Türkiye.

Ivy Jones-Mensah, University of Professional Studies

Department of Communication Studies, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana.

Joseph Kwame Ocloo, University of Professional Studies

Department of Communication Studies, University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana.

References

Alscher, D. (2024, May 14). What is a webinar? How to engage and educate your audience. https://learn.g2.com/what-is-a-webinar

Al-Zboon, K. O. M. (2020). The effectiveness of distance learning compared to direct education in the achievement of first-grade students in the Arabic language subject in Jordan. Arab Journal of Specific Education, 4(14), 201–220.

Basilaia, G., & Kvavadze, D. (2020). Transition to online education in schools during a SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Georgia. Pedagogical Research, 5(4), 1–9.

Brown, J. C., & Park, H. (2015). Comparing student research competencies in online and traditional face-to-face learning environments. TOJDEL: The Online Journal of Distance Education and e-Learning, 3(1), 1–7.

Candelaria, P. C. (2023). Online distance learning in the development of macro skills communication of selected private school in the district of Victoria, Laguna, Philippines. International Journal of Education, Technology and Science, 3(1), 1–15.

Çalık, E. Ö., & Altay, I. F. (2021). Analysis of English lesson broadcasts during emergency remote teaching from pedagogical, instructional and technical aspects. International Journal of Education, Technology and Science, 1(2), 71–87.

Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–339. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

Dutot, V. (2014). Adoption of social media using technology acceptance model: The generational effect. International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction, 10(4), 18–35. https://doi.org/10.4018/ijthi.2014100102

Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (1999). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2–3), 87–105.

Huba, M. E., & Freed, J. E. (2000). Learner-centered assessment on college campuses: Shifting the focus from teaching to learning. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 24(9), 759–766.

Karsenti, T., Parent, S., & Cuerrier, M. (2020). L’école à la maison: La pandémie a-t-elle réellement exacerbé les iniquités sociales? Éducation Canada, 60(4), 4–9.

Kokroko, E., & Addei, C. (2020). Teaching and learning French language in Ghana through digital resources: Prospects and challenges. American Journal of Online and Distance Learning, 2(2), 22–30.

Madhavi, I. (2010). Use of language laboratory in English language learning and teaching. Institute of Management, GITAM University.

Mahat, H., Norkhaidi, S. B., Hashim, M., Saleh, N., Nayan, N., Abdullah, N. H. L., Baharudin, N. H., & Jamhari, N. (2021). Determining the effectiveness of pre-university students’ online learning in geography subject using relative importance index. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 11(4), 160–168.

Ozfidan, B., & Marks, J. M. (2025). Perceptions of Saudi undergraduate students’ experiences toward online and traditional learning: Mixed method study. International Journal of Education, Technology and Science, 5(1), 47–61. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14904948

Paul, J., & Jefferson, F. (2019). A comparative analysis of student performance in an online vs face-to-face environmental science course from 2009 to 2016. Frontiers in Computer Science, 1, Article 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2019.00007

Parahoo, K. (1997). Nursing research: Principles, process, and issues. Palgrave Macmillan.

Ritonga, M. (2020). Learning from home (LFH) dan kerinduan yang mendalam. In Inovasi pembelajaran era Covid-19: Pengalaman & pengamatan selama pandemi Covid-19 (pp. 80–83). CV Markumi.

Savvidou, C., & Katarzyna, A. (2022). “It has potential but…”: Exploring university students’ experiences and perceptions of breakout rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching English with Technology, 22(2), 3–26. http://www.tewtjournal.org

Shaughnessy, J. J., Zechmeister, E. B., & Zechmeister, J. S. (2012). Research methods in psychology (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Tabiri, M. O., Jones-Mensah, I., Fenyi, D. A., & Asunka, S. (2022). Challenges of online learning of English/French language in higher education in Ghana. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 18(1), 207–222. https://doi.org/10.52462/jlls.176

Tabiri, M. O. (2021). L’enseignement/apprentissage en ligne du français langue étrangère au Ghana: Quels avantages d’un recours au numérique? Akofena, 4(3), 195–200.

University World News. (2021). Ghana, Senegal closes all universities. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20200315115142951

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.

Published

30/03/2026

How to Cite

Tabiri, M. O., Mirici, I., Jones-Mensah, I., & Ocloo, J. K. (2026). Learning languages online in Ghanaian higher education during COVID-19 from the perspective of students. Revista on Line De Política E Gestão Educacional, 30(esp1), e026012. https://doi.org/10.22633/rpge.v30iesp1.20896

Similar Articles

1 2 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.