English as a Foreign Language Students’ Usage of Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer in the Classroom and Homework Assignments

Abstract

Understanding the interaction between artificial intelligence and humans was one of the study's objectives. Another was to examine the advantages and disadvantages of ChatGPT for English language learners. The primary aims of this study were to examine how English language learners utilize ChatGPT, why they use it, and how it impacts their academic progress. The phenomenon in question has been the subject of extensive research. The questionnaire used in this study was created with Google Forms and delivered electronically. More than 115 English as a foreign language students gave answers; the majority of them were students studying English at the bachelor and master levels. The questionnaire data represent how and how frequently students utilize ChatGPT, and the results show that a considerable proportion of them use the software. The data also show us the most common reasons why English language students use ChatGPT, and it appears that grammar is the first reason, while tasks requiring critical thinking are the second. Another very distinct reason is the use of ChatGPT for summarizing the books they are required to read during their English studies, which usually occurs at the bachelor's level where they learn Old and Modern English Literature. The results also revealed that students believe ChatGPT has had a beneficial impact on their academic advancement. After all, it is vital to note that artificial intelligence and its application are a developing phenomenon, particularly in the educational process; thus, the support of ChatGPT is assisting students in realizing their school projects, although not completely. This phenomenon should be viewed as both useful and detrimental. Artificial intelligence should not be used to limit student growth and critical thinking since it risks diminishing the value of human intelligence. Something artificial cannot be substituted with something natural, such as intelligence. As a result, our synthesizing mind is capable of far more than artificial intelligence.