Exploring the Effects of COVID-19 on Online English language learning and Adult ESL Learners in Nigeria

Abstract

Coronavirus pandemic without doubt has adversely affected all aspects of our lives. Almost every community in the world has felt how the present state of affairs rapidly changed everyday life activities. COVID-19 crisis currently has resulted in changing the context in which English as a second language teaching and learning take place with rapid online education. This paper focuses on teaching English to adult education learners who are studying English through online instruction. It describes the importance of online English instruction at all levels of adult education; and the current state of online instruction in adult education programs during COVID-19 crisis. The paper identifies challenges of online English language instruction in adult education programmes during COVID-19. Some of the recommendations made were: inclusive analogue and digital technologies for distance learning and support low- adult ESL learners, improvement of internet infrastructure and access to the internet, support for adult education teachers and trainers to operate in the new environment, provide career guidance and digital skills development for Adult English learners.