Factors affecting e-leaners’ ability to learn English as a foreign language (EFL)‎ online : a literature review

الملخص EN

The decision recently taken by Iraqi universities to adopt e-learning as a teaching and learning mode has its own pedagogical effects.

This is mainly represented by replacing the traditional physical setting by a new virtual one widely opening the door for new learning opportunities.

Highly demanding as it is, e-learning is not without drawbacks.

especially in the domain of English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching.

EFL e-learners have different levels of proficiencies and weaker ones tend to be left behind as they are more reserved and shier compared to their more eloquent peers.

Hence, this paper attempts to identify factors that potentially affect (EFL) e-learners’ ability to learn online and steps that could be taken to rectify issues related to weak and shy EFL e-learners.

Based on the analysed literature, four critical areas were identified and they are: i) lack of cognitive abilities; ii) lack of metacognitive abilities, readiness and motivation to learn language online; iii) lack of interaction with peers and teachers and iv) use of inappropriate or unsuitable EFL content.