چكيده
Online education is no longer an option but an obligation. During pandemic of Corona virus, resorting to online platforms to teach English has been inevitable. However, the efficiency of such systems does need promotion through research inquiries. Therefore, this study intended to find out EFL teachers’ perceptions of online versus face-to-face classes. In this study, a mixed-methods research design was used. The participants included fifty teachers from Safir, Mana, Shayestegan, and Masjedi institutes in Rasht, Iran, who have taught in both online and face-to-face educational systems. The data were gathered through the use of a questionnaire and an interview. D Descriptive method was used to analyze and interpret the data. According to the findings, teachers have a positive perception of the usefulness of both online and face-to-face systems, though they believe that face-to-face classes offer a more effective environment for teaching and learning English. According to the interview results, several critical characteristics, such as body language and tone, as well as the presence of teachers, play a significant role in students' mastery in face-to-face classes, whereas the most important benefits of online education are being time saving, the convenience of staying at home, and accessibility. Many teachers supported both educational systems, believing that effective online education saves time while face-to-face instruction improves interaction between teachers and students. As a result, both educational systems are required and, in most cases, they complement one another.
