Navigating AI Writing Assistance Tools: Unveiling the Insights of Thai EFL Learners
Main Article Content
Abstract
Recently, AI writing assistance tools have emerged as pivotal aids in addressing L2 learners’ writing challenges. With this emergence, this qualitative study delves into the perceptions of Thai EFL learners regarding the utilization of AI writing assistance tools. A total of ten Thai non-English-major undergraduates were interviewed to explore their experiences. The results unveiled a nuanced perspective, wherein the participants acknowledged both benefits and challenges linked to the integration of AI writing assistance tools in their writing processes. In terms of benefits, the participants highlighted improvements in linguistic aspects, enhanced affective factors, and pragmatic advantages. Despite these perceived benefits, the participants were attuned to the trade-offs associated with these tools, encompassing concerns about over-reliance on technology, the potential for academic misconduct, and the occasional ineffectiveness of the tools. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted impact of AI writing assistance tools on Thai EFL learners, offering implications for pedagogy and future research in the realm of language learning technology
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Materials in THAITESOL JOURNAL may be photocopied for educational purposes. Under no circumstances may any part of this journal be photocopied for commercial purposes.
References
Ahmed, A., & Ahmad, N. (2017). Comparative analysis of rote learning on high and low achievers in graduate and undergraduate programs. Journal of Education and Educational Development, 4(1), 111–129. https://doi.org/10.22555/joeed.v4i1.982
Alharbi, W. (2023). AI in the foreign language classroom: A pedagogical overview of automated writing assistance tools. Education Research International, 2023, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4253331
Ariyanti, A., & Fitriana, R. (2017). EFL students’ difficulties and needs in essay writing. In Proceedings of The International Conference on Teacher Training and Education 2017 (ICTTE2017) (pp. 32–42). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/ictte-17.2017.4
Bashori, M., Hout, R. V., Strik, H., & Cucchiarini, C. (2021). Effects of ASR-based websites on EFL learners’ vocabulary, speaking anxiety, and language enjoyment. System, 99, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2021.102496
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/ 1478088706qp063oa
Burkhard, M. (2022). Student perceptions of AI-powered writing tools: Towards individualized teaching strategies. In 19th International Conference on Cognition and Exploratory Learning in Digital Age (CELDA 2022) (pp. 73–81). https://doi.org/10.33965/celda2022_202207l010
Chang, M.-M., & Hung, H.-T. (2019). Effects of technology-enhanced language learning on second language acquisition: A meta-analysis. Educational Technology & Society, 22(4), 1–17.
Chang, T. S., Li, Y., Huang, H. W., & Whitfeld, B. (2021). Exploring EFL students’ writing performance and their acceptance of AI-based automated writing feedback. In 2021 2nd International Conference on Education Development and Studies (pp. 31–35). https://doi.org/10.1145/3459043.3459065
Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Sage.
Crowe, S., Cresswell, K., Robertson, A., Huby, G., Avery, A. J., & Sheikh, A. (2011). The case study approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 11, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-11-100
Dale, R. (2020). Natural language generation: The commercial state of the art in 2020. Natural Language Engineering, 26(4), 481–487. https://doi.org/10.1017/s135132492000025x
Derakhshan, A., & Shirejini, R. K. (2020). An investigation of the Iranian EFL learners’ perceptions towards the most common writing problems. SAGE Open, 10(2), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020919523
Dodigovic, M., & Tovmasyan, A. (2021). Automated writing evaluation: The accuracy of Grammarly’s feedback on form. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 3(2), 71-87. https://doi.org/10.46451/ijts.2021.06.06
Gayed, J. M., Carlon, M. K. J., Oriola, A. M., & Cross, J. S. (2022). Exploring an AI-based writing assistant’s impact on English language learners. Computers & Education: Artificial Intelligence, 3, 100055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2022.100055
Ginting, P., Batubara, H. M., & Hasnah, Y. (2023). Artificial intelligence powered writing tools as adaptable aids for academic writing: Insight from EFL college learners in writing final project. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6(10), 4640–4650. https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i10-15
Haque, S. I. (2022). Comparing Arab ‘EFL learners and instructors’ perceptions of using online writing tools during COVID-19. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(5), 3228–3245.
Hayes, D. (2010). Language learning, teaching and educational reform in rural Thailand: an English teacher’s perspective. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 30(3), 305–319. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2010.495843
Htaw, M. C., Panjaburee, p., Seufert, S., Pichitporhchai, C., & Handschud, S. (2022). A systematic review of trends and educational research issues of digital-supported writing: A promising English learning environment for Thai higher education. In Iyer, S. et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of the 30th International Conference on Computers in Education Conference (ICCE 2022) (pp.1-9).
Iberahim, A., Yunus, M. M., & Sulaiman, N. A. (2023). A review on technology enhanced language learning (TELL). International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 13(2), 1509 – 1519.
Jeanjaroonsri, R. (2023). Thai EFL learners’ use and perceptions of mobile technologies for writing. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 16(1), 169–193. https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/LEARN/index
Johinke, R., Cummings, R., & Di Lauro, F. (2023). Reclaiming the technology of higher education for teaching digital writing in a post—pandemic world. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 20(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.20.02.01
Khan, M. A., Vivek, Nabi, M. K., Khojah, M., & Tahir, M. (2020). Students’ perception towards e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic in India: An empirical study. Sustainability, 13(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010057
Koç, Ö., Altun, E., & Yüksel, H. G. (2021). Writing an expository text using augmented reality: Students’ performance and perceptions. Education and Information Technologies, 27(1), 845–866. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10438-x
Kurniati, E. Y., & Fithriani, R. (2022). Post-graduate students’ perceptions of Quillbot utilization in English academic writing class. JELTL (Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics), 7(3), 437–451. https://doi.org/10.21462/jeltl.v7i3.852
Mahlow, C. (2023). Writing tools: Looking back to look ahead. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2303.17894
Makmulma, P. (2020). Professional development needs and challenges in English language teaching of Thai English teachers [Master’s dissertation]. Thammasat University, Thailand.
Marzuki, Widiati, U., Rusdin, D., Darwin, I., & Indrawati, I. (2023). The impact of AI writing tools on the content and organization of students’ writing: EFL teachers’ perspective. Cogent Education, 10(2), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2023.2236469
Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nazari, N., Shabbir, M. S., & Setiawan, R. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence powered digital writing assistant in higher education: Randomized controlled trial. Heliyon, 7(5), 1-9e07014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07014
Nguyen, T. T. L., & Suwannabubpha, S. (2021). EFL writing at Thai secondary schools: Teachers and students’ views, difficulties and expectations. Language Related Research, 12(3), 187–214. https://doi.org/10.29252/LRR.12.3.7
Pantelimon, F., Bologa, R., Toma, A., & Posedaru, B. (2021). The evolution of AI-driven educational systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability, 13(23), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313501
Peterson, J. L. (1980). Computer programs for detecting and correcting spelling errors. Communications of the ACM, 23(12), 676–687. https://doi.org/10.1145/359038.359041
Pratama, Y. D. (2020). The investigation of using Grammarly as online grammar checker in the process of writing. Journal of English Language Education, 1(1), 46–54. https://journal.unsika.ac.id/index.php/IDEAS/article/download/4180/2434
Roe, J., Renandya, W. A., & Jacobs, G. M. (2023). A review of AI-powered writing tools and their implications for academic integrity in the language classroom. Journal of English and Applied Linguistics, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.59588/2961-3094.1035
Ruslin, R., Mashuri, S., Rasak, M.S.A., Alhabsyi, F., & Syam, H. (2022). Semi-structured interview: a methodological reflection on the development of a qualitative research instrument in educational studies. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 12(1), 22-29. https://doi.org/10.9790/7388-1201052229
Salvagno, M., Taccone, F. S., & Gerli, A. G. (2023). Can artificial intelligence help for scientific writing? Critical Care, 27(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-023-04380-2
Shah, S. (2019, Jan 3). 7 Biases to avoid in qualitative research. Editage Insights. https://www.editage.com/insights/7-biases-to-avoid-in-qualitative-research
Shukri, N. A. (2014). Second language writing and culture: Issues and challenges from the Saudi learners’ perspective. Arab World English Journal, 5(3), 190–207. https://awej.org/images/AllIssues/Volume5/Volume5number3September/15.pdf
Stone, G. (2017). Implementation of critical literacy for English writing classes in the Thai context. The New English Teacher, 11(2), 65-76.
Taj, I. H., Ali, F., Sipra, M. A., & Ahmad, W. (2017). Effect of technology enhanced language learning on vocabulary acquisition of EFL learners. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, 6(3), 262-272. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.6n.3p.262
Tambunan, A. R. S., Andayani, W., Sari, W. S. & Lubis. F. K. (2022). Investigating EFL students’ linguistic problems using Grammarly as automated writing evaluation feedback. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 12(1), 16-27. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v12i1.46428
Turnitin. (n.d.). AI writing detection capabilities. Turnitin. https://www.turnitin.com/products/features/ai-writing-detection/
Zabihi, R. (2017). The role of cognitive and affective factors in measures of L2 writing. Written Communication, 35(1), 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1177/0741088317735836