International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Effective Synchronous Virtual Classroom Techniques for EFL Teaching: A Study Based on Instructors’ Perspective in Qassim University
Dr. Albatool Abalkheel, Dr. Fatima A. Muhammed Zein, Dr. Razia Sultana

Abstract
The current Covid-19 pandemic situation changed the education system bringing forth the importance of virtual classrooms across the globe. The use of virtual classrooms to support and complement language teaching and learning process in several educational institutions has become a prime concern. This paper focuses on some of the synchronous techniques and strategies used by the instructorsof Qassim University, English department that augment the teaching and learning process in a felicitous virtual atmosphere. This could be done in the light of EFL teachers’ viewpoints regarding the promotion of a synchronous virtual classroomaided with collaborative and learner-centered teaching. An electronic survey was administered asking instructors to describe the methods and approaches used regarding teaching in the virtual environment. The responses from the participants most frequently cited making their virtual classrooms easier and a more comfortable place for their students to learn. Pre-test and posttest were also administered based on synchronous techniques. The findings indicated significant influence of virtual techniques on learning and teaching. However, instructors seemed to prefer some virtual tools over the others.Less common use of webcams and video-conferencing can be attributed to cultural values, and tothe settings and protocols of the current situation of virtual home classrooms. Private chat, though, it was unlikely used by instructors, it proved to be more appealing collaborate tool to interact with shyintroverted and low level learners, and to tackle online class troubles.Some virtual class constraints have been reported by some researchers,but they were less common.These findings provide meaningful data for research and instructors to enrich EFL classrooms and to promote technology-enhanced learning in the educational institutions.

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