Artificial intelligence assistance in English for communication competence of english for specific purposes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24090/insania.v29i2.11140Keywords:
AI-assistance tools, English for communication, English for specific purposes, undergraduate studentsAbstract
This study scrutinizes the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in enhancing English for Communication competence among undergraduate students in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses, specifically focusing on students in communication study programs in Indonesia. It examines students' attitudes, perspectives, and experiences with AI tools in improving English communication skills and aims to uncover AI integration's perceived benefits and challenges. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design collected data from thirty-one undergraduate students using a Likert-scale questionnaire followed by semi-structured interviews to provide more detailed insights. Findings from the descriptive statistical analysis indicate that most students expressed positive reactions to using AI tools to support their communication competence. Students responded with benefits such as personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and improved interpersonal communication, public speaking, and business-related communication. However, concerns were raised regarding AI's reliability, data privacy, potential over-reliance on AI, and limited enhancement of creativity and critical thinking skills. In English classrooms, where integrating technology in language learning is increasingly prioritized, these findings suggest that AI tools can be valuable resources for developing communication skills among ESP students. To maximize their benefits, educational institutions should establish clear guidelines, promote critical engagement with technology, and provide adequate instructor support to help students navigate AI-related challenges.Downloads
References
Anthony, L. (2018). Introducing English for Specific Purposes. Routledge.
Azarova, L., Kudryavtseva, M., & Sharakhina, L. (2020). Key Advantages and Risks of Implementing Artificial Intelligence in the Activities of Professional Communicators. 2020 IEEE Communication Strategies in Digital Society Seminar (ComSDS), 82-86. https://doi.org/10.1109/ComSDS49898.2020.9101238
Bi, S. (2020). Intelligent system for English translation using automated knowledge base. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 39(4), 5057-5066. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-179991
Bilad, M. R., Yaqin, L. N., & Zubaidah, S. (2023). Recent progress in the use of artificial intelligence tools in education. Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengkajian Ilmu Pendidikan: e-Saintika, 7(3), 279-314. https://doi.org/10.36312/esaintika.v7i3.1377
Chan, C. K. Y., & Hu, W. (2023). Students' voices on generative AI: perceptions, benefits, and challenges in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00411-8
Chapelle, C.A., Baghestani, S. Beck, J., Kurt, S., Kusumaningrum, W., Lim, H. J., & Yin, S. (2024). Exploring open AI in language teacher professional development. In C. A. Chapelle, G. H. Beckett, & J. Ranalli (Eds.), Exploring artificial intelligence in applied linguistics (pp. 217-242). Ames, IA: Iowa State University Digital Press. https://doi.org/10.31274/isudp.2024.154.13
Chassignol, M., Khoroshavin, A., Alexandrova, A., & Bilyatdinova, A. (2018). Artificial intelligence trends in education: A narrative overview. Procedia Computer Science, 136, 16-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.08.233
Chen, J., Lai, P., Chan, A., Man, V., & Chan, C. H. (2022). AI-assisted enhancement of student presentation skills: challenges and opportunities. Sustainability, 15(1), 196. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010196
Chen, L., Chen, P., & Lin, Z. (2020). Artificial intelligence in education: A review. IEEE Access, 8, 75264-75278. https://doi.org/0.1109/ACCESS.2020.2988510
Chun, D., Kern, R., & Smith, B. (2016). Technology in language use, language teaching, and language learning. The Modern Language Journal, 100(S1), 64-80. https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12302
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (3rd ed.). SAGE.
Crompton, H., Edmett, A., Ichaporia, N., & Burke, D. (2024). AI and English language teaching: Affordances and challenges. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(6), 2503-2529. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13460
Curzon, J., Ann Kosa, T., Akalu, R., & El-Khatib, K. (2021). Privacy and Artificial Intelligence. IEEE Transactions on Artificial Intelligence, 2(2), 96–108. https://doi.org/10.1109/TAI.2021.3088084
De la Vall, R. R. F., & Araya, F. G. (2023). Exploring the benefits and challenges of AI-language learning tools. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 10(1), 7569-7576. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v10i01.02
Doroudi, S. (2023). The intertwined histories of artificial intelligence and education. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 33(4), 885-928. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-022-00313-2
Dörnyei, Z., & Taguchi, T. (2010). Questionnaires in second language research: Construction, administration, and processing (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Dudley-Evans, T., & St. John, M. J. (1998). Developments in English for specific purposes: A multi-disciplinary approach. Cambridge University Press.
Esplugas, M. (2023). The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance academic communication, education and research: a balanced approach. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 48(8), 819-822. https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934231185746
Fryer, L. K., Ainley, M., Thompson, A., Gibson, A., & Sherlock, Z. (2017). Stimulating and sustaining interest in a language course: An experimental comparison of Chatbot and Human task partners. Computers in Human Behavior, 75, 461-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2017.05.045
Gallacher, A., Thompson, A., & Howarth, M. (2018). “My robot is an idiot!” – Students’ perceptions of AI in the L2 classroom. In Future-proof CALL: language learning as exploration and encounters – short papers from EUROCALL 2018 (pp. 70–76). Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2018.26.815
Gandimathi, A., & Zarei, N. (2018). The impact of critical thinking on learning English language. Asian Journal of Social Science Research, 1(2), 25-35.
Getchell, K. M., Carradini, S., Cardon, P. W., Fleischmann, C., Ma, H., Aritz, J., & Stapp, J. (2022). Artificial intelligence in business communication: The changing landscape of research and teaching. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly, 85(1), 7-33. https://doi.org/10.1177/23294906221074311
Hakim, R., & Rima, R. (2022). Chatting with AI Chatbots applications to improve English communication skills. Journal of English Language Studies, 7(1), 121-130. http://dx.doi.org/10.30870/jels.v7i1.14327
Hellström, T. (2023). AI and its consequences for the written word. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 6, 01-06. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1326166
Huang, X., Zou, D., Cheng, G., Chen, X., & Xie, H. (2023). Trends, research issues and applications of artificial intelligence in language education. Educational Technology & Society, 26(1), 112-131. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202301_26(1).0009
Iniesto, F., & Rodrigo, C. (2016). A preliminary study for developing accessible MOOC services. Journal of accessibility and design for all, 6(2), 126-150. https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v6i2.117
Jane, O. C., Ezeonwumelu, C. G., Barah, C. I., & Jovita, U. N. (2024). Personalized Language Education in the Age of AI: Opportunities and Challenges. Newport International Journal of Research in Education, 4(1), 39-44. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRE/2024/41139448
Kim, H. S., Cha, Y., & Kim, N. Y. (2021). Effects of AI chatbots on EFL students' communication skills. 영어학, 21, 712-734. https://doi.org/10.15738/kjell.21..202108.712
Kohnke, L. (2024). Enhancing Teacher Professional Development with AI. In Optimizing Digital Competence through Microlearning: Flexible Approaches to Teacher Professional Development (pp. 55-66). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8839-2_6
Lee, Y. J., Davis, R. O., & Lee, S. O. (2024). University 'students' perceptions of artificial intelligence-based tools for English writing courses. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 14(1), e202412. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/14195
Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., & Forcier, L. B. (2016). Intelligence Unleashed: An argument for AI in Education. Pearson Education. https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1475756
Makeleni, S., Mutongoza, B. H., & Linake, M. A. (2023). Language education and Artificial Intelligence: An exploration of challenges confronting academics in global south universities. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 6(2), 158-171. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcve.2023.14
Mohamed, A. M. (2024). Exploring the potential of an AI-based Chatbot (ChatGPT) in enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching: perceptions of EFL Faculty Members. Education and Information Technologies, 29(3), 3195–3217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11917-z
Mukhallafi, T. R. A. (2020). Using artificial intelligence for developing English language teaching/learning: an analytical study from university 'students' perspective. International Journal of English Linguistics, 10(6), 40-53. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v10n6p40
Nguyen, T. D. T., & Pham, V. P. H. (2022). Effects of using technology to support students in developing speaking skills. International Journal of Language Instruction, 1(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.22111
Ocampo, T. S. C., Silva, T. P., Alencar-Palha, C., Haiter-Neto, F., & Oliveira, M. L. (2023). ChatGPT and scientific writing: A reflection on the ethical boundaries. Imaging Science in Dentistry, 53(2), 175-176. https://doi.org/10.5624/isd.20230085
Pallant, J. (2020). SPSS survival manual: A step-by-step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS (7th ed.). Open University Press.
Pokrivcakova, S. (2019). Preparing teachers for the application of AI-powered technologies in foreign language education. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 7(3) 135-153. https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2019-0025
Popenici, S. A. D., & Kerr, S. (2017). Exploring the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning in higher education. Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning, 12(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41039-017-0062-8
Ramakrishnan, S., Bishnoi, M. M., Joghee, S., Jijitha, S., & Kumar, A. (2024). Social Engineering: Role of Teachers in Cohabitation of AI with Education. 2024 2nd International Conference on Cyber Resilience (ICCR), 2, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICCR61006.2024.10532897
Ransbotham, S., Candelon, F., Kiron, D., LaFountain, B., & Khodabandeh, S. (2021). The cultural benefits of artificial intelligence in the Enterprise. MIT Sloan Management Review and Boston Consulting Group.
Rao, P. S. (2019). The importance of speaking skills in English classrooms. Alford Council of International English & Literature Journal (ACIELJ), 2(2), 1-12. https://www.acielj.com/Papers/vol2issue2/1.ACIELJ%20-Srinu%20sir%20(1-12)%20OK.pdf
Richards, J. C. (2006). Communicative language teaching today. Cambridge University Press.
Rusmiyanto, R., Huriati, N., Fitriani, N., Tyas, N. K., Rofi’i, A., & Sari, M. N. (2023). The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing English language learner's communication skills. Journal on Education, 6(1), 750-757. https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v6i1.2990
Savignon, S. J. (2018). Communicative competence. The TESOL Encyclopedia of English Language Teaching, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118784235.eelt0047
Sharadgah, T. A., & Sa'di, R. A. (2022). A systematic review of research on the use of artificial intelligence in English language teaching and learning (2015-2021): What are the current effects?. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 21, 337-377. https://doi.org/10.28945/4999
Shumin, K. (2002). Factors to consider: Developing adult EFL students' speaking abilities. In J. C. Richards & W. A. Renandya (Eds.), Methodology in language teaching: An anthology of current practice (pp. 204-211). Cambridge University Press.
Soelistiyowati, E., Permatasari, A.N., Nugroho, V.T., & Kusmulyadi, A.S. (2024). Enhancing College Learners' Writing Skills through The Integration of ChatGPT: Strategies, Benefits, And Concerns. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing dan Sastra, 8(1), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.26858/eralingua.v8i1.53461
Su, Z., Miao, L., & Man, J. (2019, October). Artificial intelligence promotes the evolution of English writing evaluation model. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 646(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/646/1/012029
Vančová, H. (2023). AI and AI-powered tools for pronunciation training. Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 11(3), 12-24. https://doi.org/10.2478/jolace-2023-0022
Viktorivna, K., Oleksandrovych, V. A., Oleksandrivna, K. I., & Oleksandrivna, K N. (2022). Artificial Intelligence in Language Learning: What Are We Afraid Of. Arab World English Journal Special Issue, (8), 262-273. https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/call8.18
Wei, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in language instruction: impact on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1261955. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1261955
Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V. I., Bond, M., & Gouverneur, F. (2019). Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education – where are the educators?. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0
Zhai, C., & Wibowo, S. (2023). A systematic review on artificial intelligence dialogue systems for enhancing English as foreign language students’ interactional competence in the university. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 4, 100134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100134
Zhang, R., and Zou, D. (2020). Types, purposes, and effectiveness of state-of-the-art technologies for second and foreign language learning. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 35(4), 696–742. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2020.1744666
Zou, B., Guan, X., Shao, Y., & Chen, P. (2023). Supporting speaking practice by social network-based interaction in artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted language learning. Sustainability, 15(4), 2872. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15042872
Zunaidah, A., Wiharja, C. K., & Febriantono, M. A. (2023). Dependency on AI-Based Writing Tools in English Learning: Implications for Human-Computer Interaction. 2023 International Conference on Information Management and Technology (ICIMTech), 1, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIMTech59029.2023.10278054
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Muchamad Muchibbuddin Waly, Aniqotul Milla Zakiyyah

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative CommonsAttribution-ShareAlike License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).