Impact of a Virtual Course of English in the Institutional English Courses for Undergraduate Students at Surcolombiana University

This research project examines the implementation of a Level One course offered in virtual and hybrid formats for Institutional English Courses (iec) at Universidad Surcolombiana during the second academic term of 2022. Using surveys, interviews, and a digital prototype, the study assesses both student and teacher perceptions of the course, with a focus on the effectiveness of virtual and hybrid learning environments for English language teaching and learning. It also examines teacherstudent communication and the development of language skills within these modalities. The findings reveal that, while the experience successfully motivates students, it also brings to light several challenges, including limitations faced by instructors, insufficient support for e-learning platforms, and diverse student learning styles. Additionally, the study concludes that student frustrations are often more closely related to instructiors’ inflexibility in grading assignments than to the course’s difficulty. Overall, the research underscores the ongoing need for teacher training and support to leverage the flexibility and potential of e learning in higher education English language programs, enabling both educators and students to adapt effectively to these evolving educational environments.