Taylor Davis
Geneva Tesh
University of North Texas, USA

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many educators and students around the world to shift abruptly from a face-to-face environment to an online learning management system (LMS). This change of environment proved especially difficult for English language learners (ELLs) in the United States. Some of the challenges for ELLs include technology issues, lack of facility with the LMS, limited comprehension of written instructions, time management difficulties, social isolation, and low motivation. This paper discusses those challenges and examines the benefits and shortcomings of using an LMS for lessons, assessments, and communication among ELLs. This qualitative study investigates the experiences of ELL students enrolled in a Dallas, Texas area high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and their attitudes towards completing coursework through an LMS platform.

Keywords
COVID-19 pandemic, English Language Learners, high school, online learning, ESL, learning management systems