Voices in the Virtual Classroom: Factors Affecting Students Situated Willingness to Communicate in Online Class

Abstract

Online learning is sine qua non in higher education learning where a lot of higher education institution now are venturing into Online Distance Learning (ODL). However, issues like students disengaging in online learning has been re-peatedly highlighted. This study aims to delve deeper into the factors affecting students’ situated willingness to communicate (WTC) which will cover psycho-logical factors, situational variables, individual characteristics, classroom envi-ronmental conditions and linguistic factors. The importance of students’ WTC is worth highlighting as it could shed light to instructors on factors that contribute students’ WTC. As a result of understanding the factors of situated WTC, in-structors may address issues like lack of engagement and participation in online class. Hence, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the factors affect-ing students’ situated WTC in online class. The findings emphasize the different approaches and vital roles of instructor in encouraging students’ WTC and en-gagement in online class.