How Instructors Engage Students in Distance Learning During the Covid-19 Second Wave

Results of a survey in the first wave of Covid-19 (Spring 2020) showed that 55% of Saudi students were dissatisfied with distance learning (DL), online communication with instructors, had difficulty understanding the course material, and showed low self-efficacy. The instructors reported low student engagement and motivation in the DL environment. Many students were demotivated, not enthusiastic,  uninterested in online learning, in doing assignments, and refused to give oral presentations.  Students’ main concern was passing exams with high grades. Instructors and students had problems with the platform and complained of slow internet and inadequate technical support. In the second wave of Covid-19 (Fall 2020), Saudi universities have taken numerous steps towards solving platform problems, improving internet connection, setting new online exam procedures and standards, and offering training workshops.  Results of survey in Fall 2020 showed that numerous language and translation instructors went beyond using a PPT in DL, and started to use online activities for increasing students’ engagement such as integrating participation goals, using task-based, project-based, and problem-solving tasks, debates, inviting specialized guest speakers and integrating apps such as Kahoot, Padlet and ConnectYard.  The study will compare DL in the first and second waves of Covid-19 in Saudi Arabia, and report examples of activities  that engage students in DL and students' views.