Learner Autonomy in Distance Learning under the Circumstance of Corona virus: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

.After the spread of Corona virus, the Algerian government like many other countries has closed its universities. This crisis has led the ministry of higher education and scientific research to adopt online-courses. Formal learning has, most of the time, been associated to inside classroom practices and activities; however, little attention is given to learning outside the classroom in the absence of the teacher. Thus, this paper attempts to explore the effectiveness of distance learning as an alternative option to cope with this unprecedented situation and to develop learner autonomy. Two questionnaires were administered to 22 teachers and 72 students at Ahmed Zabana University of Relizane-Algeria- via email and Facebook. The respondents of this research include 10 teachers and 38 EFL students. Results have shown that though distance learning is an appreciated method to make students experience autonomy during this time, it is still difficult and challenging due to students’ psychological instability, teachers’ lack of online teaching experience and bad network quality.