Using Blended Learning in the EFL Classroom During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia: A Narrative Inquiry

ABSTRACT

With the rapid development of information and communication technologies, some learning platforms have been used in the educational setting, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. This paper reports on blended learning or online and face-to-face learning practices viewed from lecturers and students' perspectives at an Indonesian higher education institution. To capture the participants' experiences, a narrative inquiry approach was adopted to the scope of blended learning in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. In gathering the data, narrative interviews were used with four lecturers and four students. The findings reveal that the EFL lecturers used various online learning platforms in blended learning classes. Furthermore, both the EFL lecturers and students provided positive responses regarding blended learning. However, challenges were highlighted in the process of its implementation. These challenges include limited time allocation, poor internet connection, and students' self-study unawareness. This paper highlights the need to reschedule proper time allocation, design the best teaching methods and materials in blended learning, provide the best internet connection, and encourage student motivation in blended learning. © Authors.