Investigating the Integration of E-Learning in Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities Through the Eyes of German vs. Iranian Students

The present study explored the challenges and opportunities of integrating e-learning in teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It employed a cross-cultural study through a concurrent mixed-methods research paradigm to investigate the perceptions of ۵۸ German and ۱۴۶ Iranian EFL students in two educational settings based on convenience sampling. The data collection methods were (a) administering two researcher-made questionnaires on the challenges and opportunities of integrating e-learning via Google Forms, (b) conducting semi-structured interviews with volunteer participants in Germany and Iran, either in person or via online platforms like Zoom, and (c) observing some classes by one of the authors to compare students' behaviours and feedbacks in both onsite and online settings. Triangulation of these three methods was employed to enhance the validity of the methodology and findings. The data collected through different methods supported each other, showing that German and Iranian students recognised challenges and opportunities in different academic, technological, and administrative domains. The findings highlighted cross-cultural differences in the perceptions of both groups, showing that Iranian students typically considered greater opportunities in areas such as creativity, interaction with instructors, improved technological skills, higher motivation, and participation. At the same time, Germans were more appreciative of access to applications and software and showed higher significance in organisational aspects and autonomy. The findings of this study have implications for policy-makers in promoting e-learning techniques and strategies to match the needs of the new generation of learners.

Keywords:

Challenges , Cross-Cultural Study , Higher Education , E-Learning Integration , Iranian EFL Learners , Language Education , Opportunities