Opinions of ESL Preservice Teachers on Using Artificial Intelligence Language Models in Language Education

Abstract

This chapter examined the opinion of 417 ESL preservice teachers regarding the use of AI language models in teaching and learning English language. The study found that most of the participants do not believe that AI language models could replace human teachers in ESL education, either now or in the future. However, it was found that there are some ethical, social, and cultural concerns related to the use of AI language models in language education. The concerns voiced by participants include the issue of the users' privacy and ownership, the lack of social interaction, empathy, and communication, and the potential for cultural bias. The chapter also recommended that ESL educators should offer comprehensive training that addresses these concerns and develops critical thinking skills by emphasizing the significance of safeguarding users' privacy and data, mitigating bias in AI models, clarifying intellectual property rights, ensuring reliable text generation, considering social and cultural implications, and promoting a balanced and ethical approach to using AI language models.