Exploring Students’ Perception of Learning English in Blended Learning Environment: A Qualitative Study of Targeting ESL Pakistani University Learners

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore the Pakistani University students‘ perception about the barriers and advantages that they faced to learn English in Blended Learning environment. This study was qualitative. Data was collected from the students of the department of Humanities and social sciences COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus. Data was collected from 20 students. Participants comprised on the 6 males and 14 females. Data was collected through a non-random sampling technique. For this purpose, a purposive sampling technique was used. To collect data in depth, the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews through the phone calls. The interviews were transcribed in Microsoft office Word files. The researcher developed the word tag cloud that exhibited roots of different themes in different sizes according to the frequency of their occurrence and repetition. The results were analyzed through different analysis techniques e.g. word tag cloud, tree map, and cluster map. The findings of the study revealed that most of the students had positive views about this system, but at the same time they also mentioned some barriers that they faced during this system, for example, internet issue, signal problem, electricity issue, and lack of training. The study recommends that the government should provide good internet facilities and try to resolve the electricity issue. Universities should conduct proper classes and workshops for proper training on using the technology in the education system