EFL Learners’ Attitudes Towards Utilizing ChatGPT for Acquiring Writing Skills in Higher Education: A Case Study of Computing Students

Abstract

The rapid technological advancements have recently paved the way for a new era of language instruction. Amongst the technological tools which have emerged recently is ChatGPT. This study explores students' attitudes towards utilizing ChatGPT for acquisition of writing skills in English as a foreign language (EFL). Conducted during the first semester of the academic year 2023-2024, the study involved fifty-two students at a private university in Sharjah who were taking an English language course during the implementation of this study. The study used a mixed-methods design to investigate students' attitudes and quantify the findings. Two study tools were employed: a questionnaire and a semi-free interview. Comprising ten items, the questionnaire measured students' attitudes towards using ChatGPT for acquiring writing skills whilst at the same time focusing on higher-order thinking skills as they are related to effective writing. The semi-free interview, on the other hand, included the advantages and drawbacks of utilizing ChatGPT-based essay writing versus self-dependent essay writing. The findings indicated that most subjects confirmed ChatGPT's effectiveness in saving time and ensuring language accuracy. However, the progress one could make in acquiring writing skills and enhancing higher-order thinking abilities could not be seen significant. The paper concludes with recommendations for researchers to consider.