ONLINE LEARNING PLATFORMS IN INDONESIAN EFL CLASSROOMS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigates the opportunities and challenges of online learning platforms from the point of view of 34 eighth-grade EFL learners in SMP Negeri 7 Kuningan, Indonesia. The quantitative survey results (n=34) show that although the learners appreciate the flexible access to the materials (73.5%), they face considerable technical difficulties such as internet instability (70.6%) and device limitations (64.7%). The qualitative findings show the psychological dualism of the learners, who feel less external anxiety in online settings but still experience internal language-related anxiety. The study also reveals the “flexibility paradox,” where structural flexibility does not necessarily lead to better time management and self-regulation. These findings have important practical implications for designers, educators, and policymakers aiming to optimize online language learning in similar contexts.