Comfort-driven online learning: a case study

Abstract

The current study employed a qualitative research design to explore learners’ comfort levels in an online English learning environment using data from Reddit comments. Fifty publicly available comments were collected from five relevant Reddit discussion threads over a 6-month period, from October 2025 to March 2026. Keywords such as “learning English online,” “online learning experience," “flexibility," "communication,” and “challenges” were used to select relevant threads. Comments were selected according to thread relevance and content rather than publication date due to the lack of availability of post dates. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, starting with familiarization, coding, theme development, refinement, and interpretation. The analysis focused on learners’ comfort, discomfort, perceived support, and challenges in online English learning. Findings indicate that learners’ comfort in online English learning is shaped by a mix of flexibility, structure, social interaction, and instructional presence. Many commenters valued the ability to study at their own pace, review lessons, and adapt learning to work or caregiving responsibilities. However, others reported reduced engagement, weaker retention, and feelings of isolation when interaction and feedback were limited. Comfort increased when learners noticed progress, received prompt instructor feedback, and experienced visible teacher presence. Conversely, discomfort was linked to repetitive tasks, unclear course organization, poor responsiveness, distraction, prolonged screen time, and lack of commitment. These findings are of some importance to stakeholders as they highlight the importance of instructional design and teacher presence in promoting learner comfort, engagement, and progress in online English learning environments.