Exploring the potential of an AI-based Chatbot (ChatGPT) in enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching: perceptions of EFL Faculty Members

• Published in: Education and information technologies Vol. 29; no. 3; pp. 3195 - 3217
• Main Author: Mohamed, Amr M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-02-2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Attitudes; Chatbots; College students; Computer Appl. in Social and Behavioral Sciences; Computer assisted language learning; Computer Science; Computers and Education; Data collection; Education; Educational Technology; English; English (Second Language); English as a second language; English as a second language instruction; English as a second language teaching methods; English proficiency; Foreign language learning; Human-computer interaction; Information Systems Applications (incl.Internet); Interviews; Language Proficiency; Research Methodology; Research Skills; Second Languages; Teaching Methods; Thinking Skills; User Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction; Faculty members perceptions; EFL; Northern Border University; ChatGPT; Applied college
• ISSN: 1360-2357; 1573-7608
• DOI: 10.1007/s10639-023-11917-z

The aim of this survey study was to investigate the perceptions of ten English as a Foreign Language (EFL) faculty members at Northern Border University regarding the effectiveness of ChatGPT in supporting their students’ English language learning. The study utilized in-depth interviews with the faculty members as the primary data collection method. The results of the interviews demonstrated that the faculty members held varying opinions about the efficacy of ChatGPT. Some faculty members acknowledged its usefulness in providing rapid and accurate responses to a wide range of questions, while others expressed concerns that ChatGPT might hinder students’ development of critical thinking and research skills, and potentially reinforce biases or misinformation. The study sample perceives ChatGPT as a valuable tool for complementing and enhancing traditional EFL teaching methods. Nonetheless, the faculty members recognized ChatGPT’s value as a teaching and learning aid and recommended further experimental research to evaluate its effectiveness. The study emphasizes the potential of ChatGPT as a tool for enhancing EFL students’ English language proficiency.