Adult Learners' Perceptions of Online Language English Learning in China

Abstract

Ubiquitous internet access over the past decade has provided opportunities to learn languages online. However, most of the online language learning studies focus on higher education perspectives, while the related learner contribution on the commercial platform has yet to be explored. This study investigates Chinese adult learners' perception of learning English on the online course platform through a qualitative research approach. The semi-structured interview questions comprise five parts: learners' background, learning situation (frequency and time spent), assessment of instructors and teaching materials, preference of delivery model (with traditional classroom compared), and their attainment from the online learning platform. These findings can help platform operators better understand the perception of Chinese amateur adult learners and fill the literature gap to provide educators with insights and references on current research agendas.