Online English Courses to ODL: Instructors’ Perspectives and Implications in Higher Education

Abstract The rapid shift from traditional face-to-face instruction to virtual platforms has fundamentally reshaped higher education, including English courses. Post-Covid-19, online learning has proven to be a sustainable, long-term option. This study examines the perspectives of 46 Malaysian higher-education instructors delivering online English courses. The study has three objectives: identifying challenges in online teaching, exploring instructors' perceptions of digital tools, and investigating views on transitioning to a fully-fledged Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. Findings highlight technical issues, limited interaction, and varied perspectives on ODL. Addressing these challenges and optimizing digital resources can enhance ODL quality and student outcomes. Keywords: Higher education instructors; English courses; Open and Distance Learning