Özet:

This study aimed to discover the roles and competencies of online English instructors as perceived by their students. Participants consisted of eight students enrolled in a basic English course in Turkey, who were taking the course online. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data, which were analyzed using the content analysis technique with the help of Nvivo software. As a result of the study, roles of facilitator and leader; and competencies of delivering the content effectively, using varied teaching methods, activities and materials, fostering interaction, ensuring participation, having basic ICT skills, integrating technology into teaching effectively, offering and getting feedback, attracting attention, creating open and friendly environment, adjusting tone of voice, pre-class preparation, being aware of student profile and teaching accordingly, giving and checking assignments, motivating, being accessible, classroom and time management, evaluating effectiveness of the course, seeking ways for professional development, and adopting a favorable attitude towards teaching online were addressed by the students. However, the students asserted that their instructors do not perform most of these roles and competencies because of the challenges such as poorness of technical and technological infrastructure, interaction problems, lack of teacher readiness, and student profile. The students highlighted the necessity of a solid technical and technological infrastructure, and teacher development trainings on online teaching issues.

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