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learners performed equally as good in their online classrooms due to the use of the
motivational version of their material.
2.2.3 The Effectiveness of Distance Learning on the Engagement, Motivation
and Communication Skills of the Learners.
The perception of students on the effectiveness of distance learning was
emphasized by highlighting different factors that demonstrate the effect learning
English as a second/foreign language in synchronous classes has on the learner's
engagement, motivation, and communication skills (Kaur, Bajwa, & Dhillon, 2015).
Three of the factors that were mentioned in the study somehow shaped virtual
classrooms by illustrating that it’s a worthwhile experience for learners and a chance
for them to communicate and collaborate and be part of a new community with
teachers from different cultural backgrounds. In the same study, data on learning
community consolidation, communication, and sharing knowledge had been
collected and analyzed, therefore, displayed the way learners found virtual learning
as an opportunity for them to develop relationships with the members of their group
and be part of a new community of learners as well. Consequently, learners’
perception on virtual classrooms was highlighted and said that it can work as a tool to
foster collaboration, communication, and cooperation between the teacher and the
students which helped lessen their sense of alienation while doing exercises,
activities and games. In contrast with the previously stated point, it was argued that
virtual classrooms can have some serious deficiencies in terms of internet speed, cost,
technicalities, and lack of two-way communication which is going to be unfolded in
the next section.