Learning English in the era of artificial intelligence: Graduate students' experiences and perceptions of ChatGPT at an EMI university in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study explores graduate students' perceptions and experiences with ChatGPT for English language learning, focusing on its influence on their motivation and engagement. With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, ChatGPT, a conversational AI trained on vast datasets, offers significant potential for enhancing language learning. The use of AI and the ChatGPT in particular, in higher education for foreign language purposes, is a vibrant emerging field of research. This dissertation contributes to this area of study and employs semi-structured interviews with graduate students at a private university in Kazakhstan to examine their perceptions and experiences of using ChatGPT for language learning. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews reveals that students find ChatGPT beneficial for improving writing and reading skills, expanding vocabulary, understanding academic concepts, and increasing motivation. However, concerns about ethical use and the need for regulatory measures in universities were also highlighted. Despite limitations such as a small sample size, the study provides valuable insights for educators, university administrators, software developers, and others interested in integrating AI tools like ChatGPT in language learning. These findings lay the groundwork for future in-depth research.