Analyzing ChatGPT's Sustainability as a Language Learning Tool: Saudi EFL Learners' Perspectives, Problems and Pedagogical Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1412.18Keywords:
conventional language learning, cultural and psychological contexts, learners' specific needs, professional and academic integrityAbstract
The study assessed Saudi EFL students' perspectives on ChatGPT's incorporation into EFL classrooms for language acquisition and instruction, challenges and barriers, and pedagogical prospects. 212 respondents were randomly selected from different stages of the undergraduate programs at the College of Business Administration and College of Science & Humanities, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, KSA. A questionnaire with self-designed and partially incorporated items from existing studies was utilised to collect the data from the respondents. The data was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. It was found that Saudi EFL learners held an immensely favorable perspective on the efficacy of ChatGPT incorporation into EFL classrooms. It was also found that ChatGPT-powered classrooms posed certain challenges such as erroneous results, plagiarism and reproduction, professional integrity, listening and speaking, failure to think critically, and incapability to understand cultural and psychological contexts embedded in idioms and language expressions. However, it was also found that ChatGPT, despite its limitations, offers significant educational implications as it can satisfy learners' specific needs better than conventional language learning and teaching methods.
References
Adiguzel, T., Kaya, M. H., & Cansu, F. K. (2023). Revolutionizing education with AI: Exploring the transformative potential of ChatGPT. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(3), ep429. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13152
Ajlouni, A.O., Wahba, F.A.-A., Almahaireh, A.S. (2023). Students’ Attitudes Towards Using ChatGPT as a Learning Tool: The Case of the University of Jordan. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 17(18), pp. 99–117. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i18.41753
Ali, J. K. M., Shamsan, M. A. A., Hezam, T. A., & Mohammed, A. A. (2023). Impact of ChatGPT on learning motivation: teachers and students' voices. Journal of English Studies in Arabia Felix, 2(1), 41-49. 10.56540/jesaf.v2i1.51
Al-khresheh, M. H. (2024). Bridging technology and pedagogy from a global lens: Teachers’ perspectives on integrating ChatGPT in English language teaching. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 6, 100218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2024.100218
Alnaim, N., AlSanad, D. S., Albelali, S., Almulhem, M., Almuhanna, A. F., Attar, R. W. & Alqahtani, N. S. (2024). Effectiveness of ChatGPT in remote learning environments: An empirical study with medical students in Saudi Arabia. Nutrition and Health, https://doi.org/10.1177/02601060241273596
Alsaedi, N. (2024). ChatGPT and EFL/ESL Writing: A Systematic Review of Advantages and Challenges. Editorial Board, 17(5), 41.https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v17n5p41
Baidoo-Anu, D., & Ansah, L. O. (2023). Education in the era of generative artificial intelligence (AI): Understanding the potential benefits of ChatGPT in promoting teaching and learning. Journal of AI, 7(1), 52-62. https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1337500
Bin-Hady, W. R. A., Al-Kadi, A., Hazaea, A., & Ali, J. K. M. (2023). Exploring the dimensions of ChatGPT in English language learning: A global perspective. Library Hi Tech, Doi: 10.1108/LHT-05-2023-0200
Bruner, J. S. (1996). The culture of education. Harvard University Press.
Faisal, E. (2024). Unlock the potential for Saudi Arabian higher education: a systematic review of the benefits of ChatGPT. Frontier in Education. 9:1325601. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1325601
Fontenelle-Tereshchuk, D. (2024). Academic writing and ChatGPT: Students transitioning into college in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover Education, 3(1), 6.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-023-00076-5
Grassini, S. (2023). Shaping the future of education: exploring the potential and consequences of AI and ChatGPT in educational settings. Education Sciences, 13(7), 692. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13070692
Harunasari, S. Y. (2023). Examining the effectiveness of AI-integrated approach in EFL writing: A case of ChatGPT. International Journal of Progressive Sciences and Technologies, 39(2), 357. https://doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v39.2.5516
Irzawati, I., Unamo, A., Agnes, A., & Angelika, V. (2024). The Use of Chat GPT in ELT. International Journal of Education, Language, Literature, Arts, Culture, and Social Humanities, 2(1), 32-44. https://doi.org/10.59024/ijellacush.v2i1.674
Islam, I., & Islam, M. N. (2023). Opportunities and challenges of ChatGPT in academia: A conceptual analysis. Authorea Preprints.
Kiryakova, G., & Angelova, N. (2023). ChatGPT—A challenging tool for the university professors in their teaching practice. Education Sciences, 13(10), 1056. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13101056
Kayalı, B., Yavuz, M., Balat, Ş., & Çalışan, M. (2023). Investigation of student experiences with ChatGPT-supported online learning applications in higher education. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 39(5), 20-39. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.8915
Limna, P., Kraiwanit, T., Jangjarat, K., Klayklung, P., & Chocksathaporn, P. (2023). The use of ChatGPT in the digital era: Perspectives on chatbot implementation. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 64-74. https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.32
Mabuan, R. A. (2024). ChatGPT and ELT: Exploring Teachers' Voices. International Journal of Technology in Education, 7(1), 128-153. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.523
Meniado, J. C. (2023). The impact of ChatGPT on English language teaching, learning, and assessment: A rapid review of literature. Arab World English Journal, 14(4), 3-18. http://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/vol14no4.1
Orrù, G., Piarulli, A., Conversano, C., & Gemignani, A. (2023). Human-like problem-solving abilities in large language models using ChatGPT. Frontiers in artificial intelligence, 6, https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1199350
Phuong, H. P. X. (2024). Using ChatGPT in English Language Learning: A Study on IT Students' Attitudes, Habits, and Perceptions. Online Submission, 4(1), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijte.24414
Punar Özçelik, N., & Yangın Ekşi, G. (2024). Cultivating writing skills: the role of ChatGPT as a learning assistant—a case study. Smart Learning Environments, 11(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00296-8
Raja, R., & Nagasubramani, P. C. (2018). Impact of modern technology in education. Journal of Applied and Advanced Research, 3(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.21839/jaar.2018.v3S1.165
Rasul, T., Nair, S., Kalendra, D., Robin, M., de Oliveira Santini, F., Ladeira, W. J., ... & Heathcote, L. (2023). The role of ChatGPT in higher education: Benefits, challenges, and future research directions. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1), 41-56. https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.29
Sok, S., & Heng, K. (2023). ChatGPT for education and research: A review of benefits and risks. Cambodian Journal of Educational Research, 3(1), 110-121.
Stošić, L. (2015). The importance of educational technology in teaching. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education, 3(1), 111–114.
Teng, M. F. (2024). A Systematic Review of ChatGPT for English as a Foreign Language Writing: Opportunities, Challenges, and Recommendations. Int. J. TESOL Stud, 6(3), 36-57. https://doi.org/10.58304/ijts.20240304
Yilmaz, H., Maxutov, S., Baitekov, A., & Balta, N. (2023). Student Attitudes towards Chat GPT: A Technology Acceptance Model Survey. International Educational Review, 1(1), 57-83. https://doi.org/10.58693/ier.114
Yuan, Y., Li, H. & Sawaengdist, A. (2024). The impact of ChatGPT on learners in English academic writing: opportunities and challenges in education. Language Learning in Higher Education, 14(1), 41-56. https://doi.org/10.1515/cercles-2023-0006
Vygotsky, L. (1980). Mind in society: Development of Higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Zhai, X. (2022). ChatGPT user experience: Implications for education. SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4312418
