International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning
Volume 25, Number 3, August 2024 Special Issue: Artificial Intelligence in Open and Distributed Learning: Does It Facilitate or Hinder Teaching and Learning?
Table of contents (21 articles)
Editorial
Research Articles
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AI Application (ChatGPT) and Saudi Arabian Primary School Students’ Autonomy in Online Classes: Exploring Students and Teachers’ Perceptions
Ali Rashed Ibraheam Almohesh
pp. 1–18
AbstractEN:
In education, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented opportunities to transform the dynamics of online learning. This study investigated the impact of an AI-powered application, namely ChatGPT, on the autonomy of Saudi Arabian primary students participating in online classes. It also explored how the implementation of Chat GPT influenced Saudi Arabian primary students’ autonomy. In this mixed-methods study, a quasi-experimental design assessed the impact of ChatGPT on learner autonomy among 250 Saudi Arabian primary students from six primary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics and t-tests, while the qualitative data underwent interpretative phenomenological analysis. To ensure coding reliability, 20% of the codes were independently reviewed by an external coder, with a 94% inter-coder agreement coefficient reached through consensus. Findings revealed that ChatGPT significantly affected the participants’ perceptions of autonomy and its different dimensions. Qualitative data showed that AI-powered applications contributed to the students’ autonomy in 10 different ways. Participants also mentioned that AI-powered apps might have some negative consequences. This study has theoretical implications for redefining learner autonomy in the digital age and calls for the exploration of many facets of autonomy. Practical applications from this study include strategic integration of AI into online education, data security, and the need for orientation programs.
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Threats and Opportunities of Students’ Use Of AI-Integrated Technology (ChatGPT) in Online Higher Education: Saudi Arabian Educational Technologists’ Perspectives
Mesfer Mihmas Mesfer Aldawsari and Nouf Rashed Ibrahim Almohish
pp. 19–36
AbstractEN:
This research study explored the perspectives of 20 educational technologists from four Saudi Arabian universities regarding the integration of AI-powered technology, particularly ChatGPT, into online higher education. The study used a qualitative research method that relied on the principles of theoretical sampling to select participants and conducted in-depth interviews to collect their insights. The approach taken for data analysis was thematic analysis, which uncovered a rich range of insights on both the challenges and opportunities associated with students’ use of AI-integrated technology in the context of online higher education. Ten significant challenges emerged that shed light on the complexities and intricacies of integrating AI-powered technology into educational environments. These challenges included issues related to technological infrastructure, pedagogical adaptation, and the need for comprehensive training programs to empower both teachers and learners. Additionally, eight threats were examined that highlighted concerns about data security, privacy, and potential risks associated with AI technology in educational institutions. This study not only provided a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of AI-integrated technology in Saudi Arabian higher education, but also provided valuable insights for education stakeholders, technologists, and policy makers. It underscored the necessity of proactive measures to mitigate challenges and threats while harnessing the opportunities presented by AI technology to enhance the quality and effectiveness of online higher education.
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Teacher- Versus AI-Generated (Poe Application) Corrective Feedback and Language Learners’ Writing Anxiety, Complexity, Fluency, and Accuracy
Dan Wang
pp. 37–56
AbstractEN:
This study examines the effects of corrective feedback (CF) on language learners’ writing anxiety, writing complexity, fluency, and accuracy, and compares the effectiveness of feedback from human teachers with an AI-driven application called Poe. The study included three intact classes, each with 25 language learners. Using a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures, one class received feedback from the teacher, one from the Poe application, and the third received no response to their writing. Data were generated though tests and a writing anxiety scale developed for the study. Data analysis, conducted using one-way ANOVA tests, revealed significant effects of teacher and AI-generated feedback on learners’ writing anxiety, accuracy, and fluency. Interestingly, the group that received AI-generated feedback performed better than the group that received teacher feedback or no AI support. Additionally, learners in the AI-generated feedback group experienced a more significant reduction in writing anxiety than their peers. These results highlight the remarkable impact of AI-generated CF on improving writing outcomes and alleviating anxiety in undergraduate language learners at East China University of Political Science and Law. The study demonstrates the benefits of integrating AI applications into language learning contexts, particularly by promoting a supportive environment for students to develop writing skills. Educators, researchers, and developers can use these findings to inform pedagogical practices and technological interventions to optimize the language learning experience in primary school settings. This research highlights the effectiveness of AI-driven applications in language teaching. It highlights the importance of considering learners’ psychological well-being, particularly anxiety levels, when developing effective language learning interventions.
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The Effects of Educational Artificial Intelligence-Powered Applications on Teachers’ Perceived Autonomy, Professional Development for Online Teaching, and Digital Burnout
Hong Duan and Wei Zhao
pp. 57–76
AbstractEN:
The transformative impact of advancements in educational technology, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI), on the landscape of education and the teaching profession has been substantial. This study explores the repercussions of AI-powered technologies on teachers’ autonomous behavior, digital burnout, and professional development. The study involved a cohort of 320 high school teachers in China segregated into control and experimental groups. The experimental group received instructions on AI-integrated applications and how they might be used in education. However, the teachers assigned to the control group did not receive information on the use of AI educational applications. Three distinct questionnaires probing autonomous behaviors, digital burnout, and online professional development were administered, and the ensuing data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests. The findings elucidate a discernible positive impact of AI-integrated technology intervention on teachers’ professional development and autonomous behaviors. The incorporation of AI-enhanced tools facilitated an augmentation in teachers’ professional growth and bolstered their independent and self-directed instructional practices. Notably, using AI-integrated technology significantly reduced teachers’ susceptibility to digital burnout, signifying a potential alleviation of stressors associated with technology-mediated teaching. This research provides valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of AI-powered technologies on educators, shedding light on enhancing professional competencies and mitigating digital burnout. The implications extend beyond the confines of this study, resonating with the broader discourse on leveraging technology to augment the teaching profession and optimize the learning environment.
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AI-Supported Online Language Learning: Learners’ Self-Esteem, Cognitive-Emotion Regulation, Academic Enjoyment, and Language Success
Ting Xiao, Sisi Yi and Shamim Akhter
pp. 77–96
AbstractEN:
The consideration of students’ emotional and psychological health is crucial to facilitate effective teaching and grading practices. This study set out to shed light on the interplay between self-esteem (S-E), cognitive-emotion regulation (CER), academic enjoyment (AE), and language success (LS) in artificial intelligence (AI)-supported online language learning. To this end, the foreign language learning self-esteem scale, the Cognitive Emotion Control Questionnaire, the foreign language enjoyment scale, and a researcher-made test were distributed to 389 English as a foreign language learners in China. Screening the data with confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the effects of S-E, CER, AE, and LS were identified and quantified. These results highlighted the important function that online courses assisted by AI perform in enhancing students’ CER and AE. This implied that students who have cultivated a robust sense of self-efficacy are adept at effectively regulating their cognitive and affective processes in AI-supported language learning. Possible improvements in language education are discussed, as are the study’s broader implications.
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The Effects of Duolingo, an AI-Integrated Technology, on EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate and Engagement in Online Classes
Zhiqun Ouyang, Yujun Jiang and Huying Liu
pp. 97–115
AbstractEN:
This study, which is quasi-experimental in nature, looks into how language learners’ willingness to communicate and engagement in English as a foreign language (EFL) classrooms are affected by Duolingo. The control and experimental groups comprised two complete classes with forty EFL students. To compare learner engagement and communication willingness scores before and after treatment, the study used independent samples t-tests. The results demonstrated the groups’ initial homogeneity by showing no discernible differences prior to the intervention. The results confirmed the effects on learner engagement, which showed significant gains in affective, cognitive, and behavioral domains, indicating Duolingo’s beneficial impact on engagement in general. Furthermore, the significant effect sizes observed confirmed Duolingo’s contribution to improved language attitudes, engagement, and communicative confidence. Compared to the control group, the experimental group’s willingness to speak, read, write, comprehend, and communicate generally improved in a manner that was statistically significant. The significant effect sizes demonstrate how well Duolingo works to improve different aspects of willingness to share. The study emphasizes the pedagogical tool’s adaptability and encourages teachers to integrate Duolingo for a comprehensive and technologically enhanced language learning experience. Practical implications arise for EFL teachers who use online learning resources.
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The Auxiliary Role of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Mitigating the Linguistic, Psychological, and Educational Challenges of Teaching and Learning Chinese Language by non-Chinese Students
Jingfang Xia, Yao Ge, Zijun Shen and Mudasir Rahman Najar
pp. 116–133
AbstractEN:
Learners might have several challenges while attempting to learn a second/foreign language. Learners of Chinese face linguistic, psychological, and educational challenges. The integration of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), into teaching foreign languages is a blessing for teachers and learners. This study delved into the auxiliary role of AI-powered applications in mitigating the linguistic, psychological, and educational challenges which non-Chinese learners face while learning Chinese/Mandarin language. Qualitative research was employed, and 20 teachers of Chinese language were selected through theoretical sampling. In-depth interviews were used for collecting data, and MAXQDA was used for thematic analysis. Findings revealed that AI-powered educational applications are useful for helping language learners overcome the commonly reported linguistic, psychological, and educational challenges which non-Chinese learners and teachers of Mandarin might encounter. Findings verify the effectiveness of AI-powered applications, such as ChatGPT, Poe, Brainly, and so forth, in helping teachers and learners of Chinese language learn grammar, structure, idioms, and cultural issues of Chinese language. Findings have implications for foreign language (Chinese) learners and teachers, educational technologists, as well as syllabus designers.
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Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: A Cross-Cultural Examination of Students’ Behavioral Intentions and Attitudes
Dongmin Ma, Huma Akram and I-Hua Chen
pp. 134–157
AbstractEN:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has undergone considerable advancement in the contemporary period and represents an emerging technology in higher education. Cultural contexts significantly shape individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly in the realm of technology acceptance. By adopting a cross-cultural lens, this research explores the potential variations across Chinese and international students from diverse countries in terms of attitudes and their behavioral intentions toward AI use. With a technology acceptance model (TAM) framework, the research used a survey approach, employing questionnaires as the primary means of data collection. The data were then analyzed through structural equation modeling and descriptive statistics. A substantial discrepancy was found in the prevalence, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward AI use between Chinese and international students. Findings further revealed a stronger effect of perceived ease of use on both attitudes and behavioral intentions among international students compared with their Chinese counterparts. Findings suggest that cultural backgrounds and prior technological exposure play intricate roles in shaping perceptions of AI technology. The study emphasizes the need for tailored educational strategies to regulate diverse cultural perspectives, provide language-specific support, and ensure user-friendly interfaces. These insights contribute to the evolving discourse on technology acceptance in higher education and offer practical implications for educators and institutions toward optimizing AI integration in pedagogical practices.
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“To Use or Not to Use?” A Mixed-Methods Study on the Determinants of EFL College Learners’ Behavioral Intention to Use AI in the Distributed Learning Context
Hanwei Wu, Yunsong Wang and Yongliang Wang
pp. 158–178
AbstractEN:
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new possibilities for English as a foreign language (EFL) learners to enhance their learning outcomes, provided that they have access to AI applications. However, little is written about the factors that influence their intention to use AI in distributed EFL learning contexts. This mixed-methods study, based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), examined the determinants of behavioral intention to use AI among 464 Chinese EFL college learners. As to quantitative data, a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach using IBM SPSS Amos (Version 24) produced some important findings. First, it was revealed that perceived ease of use significantly and positively predicts perceived usefulness and attitude toward AI. Second, attitude toward AI significantly and positively predicts behavioral intention to use AI. However, contrary to the TAM assumptions, perceived usefulness does not significantly predict either attitude toward AI or behavioral intention to use AI. Third, mediation analyses suggest that perceived ease of use has a significant and positive impact on students’ behavioral intention to use AI through their attitude toward AI, rather than through perceived usefulness. As to qualitative data, semi-structured interviews with 15 learners, analyzed by the software MAXQDA 2022, provide a nuanced understanding of the statistical patterns. This study also discusses the theoretical and pedagogical implications and suggests directions for future research.
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How AI Literacy Affects Students’ Educational Attainment in Online Learning: Testing a Structural Equation Model in Higher Education Context
Jingyu Xiao, Goudarz Alibakhshi, Alireza Zamanpour, Mohammad Amin Zarei, Shapour Sherafat and Seyyed-Fouad Behzadpoor
pp. 179–198
AbstractEN:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has contributed to various facets of human lives for decades. Teachers and students must have competency in AI and AI-empowered applications, particularly when using online electronic platforms such as learning management systems (LMS). This study investigates the structural relationship between AI literacy, academic well-being, and educational attainment of Iranian undergraduate students. Using a convenience sampling approach, we selected 400 undergraduate students from virtual universities equipped with LMS platforms and facilities. We collected data using three instruments—an AI literacy scale, an academic well-being scale, and educational attainment scale—and analyzed the data using Smart-PLS3 software. Results showed that the hypothetical model had acceptable psychometrics (divergent and convergent validity, internal consistency, and composite reliability). Results also showed that the general model had goodness of fit. The study thus confirms the direct effect of AI on academic well-being and educational attainment. By measuring variables of academic well-being, we also show that AI literacy in China and Iran significantly affects educational attainment. These findings have implications for students, teachers, and educational administrators of universities and higher education institutes, providing knowledge about the educational uses of AI applications.
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Can Artificial Intelligence Give a Hand to Open and Distributed Learning? A Probe into the State of Undergraduate Students’ Academic Emotions and Test Anxiety in Learning via ChatGPT
Sha Gao
pp. 199–218
AbstractEN:
Artificial Intelligence (AI), as an innovation in technology, has greatly affected human life. AI applications such as ChatGPT have been used in different fields, particularly education. However, the use of AI applications to enhance undergraduate students’ academic emotions and test anxiety has not been appropriately investigated. This study addresses the effects of undergraduate students’ test anxiety and academic emotions. A total of 160 undergraduate students majoring in different fields of study were selected through convenience sampling and divided into control and experimental groups. Both groups received test anxiety and academic emotions scales at the onset of the treatment. The students assigned to the experimental group were trained to use ChatGPT and monitored for learning and doing their assignments outside the classroom during the semester. The two groups received the scales at the end of the semester, which lasted 16 weeks. Independent samples t-tests were used for analyzing the data. Results revealed that using AI-empowered applications significantly reduced the students’ test anxiety and negative academic emotions but enhanced their positive academic emotions. Students can use ChatGPT as an auxiliary instrument to overcome their negative emotions and enhance their educational attainment. Findings affect teachers, educational technologists, educational psychologists, and students.
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Artificial Intelligence in Education: A Bibliometric Study on Its Role in Transforming Teaching and Learning
Gürhan Durak, Serkan Çankaya, Damla Özdemir and Seda Can
pp. 219–244
AbstractEN:
This study aimed to present a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 1,726 academic studies from among those indexed by the Web of Science database platform between 2013 and 2023, to provide a general framework for the concept of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd). Trends in publications and citations across countries, institutions, academic journals, and authors were identified, as well as collaborations among these elements. Several bibliometric analysis techniques were applied, and for each analysis, the motivations behind the execution and method of producing findings were documented. Our findings showed that the number of studies on the concept of AIEd has increased significantly over time, with the U.S. and China being the most common countries of origin. Institutions in the U.S. stand out from those around the world. Pioneering journals in education have also emerged as prominent in the field of AIEd. On the other hand, collaboration between authors has been limited. The study was supplemented with keyword analysis to reveal thematic AIEd concepts and to reflect changing trends. For those exploring artificial intelligence in education, our insights on popular topics offer valuable guidance toward greater understanding of the latest advancements and key research areas.
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Keep the Ball Rolling in AI-Assisted Language Teaching: Illuminating the Links Between Productive Immunity, Work Passion, Job Satisfaction, Occupational Success, and Psychological Well-Being Among EFL Teachers
Tahereh Heydarnejad and Fidel Çakmak
pp. 245–270
AbstractEN:
Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes education by fundamentally altering the methods of teaching and processes of learning. Given such circumstances, it is essential to take into account the mental and psychological well-being of teachers as the architects of education. This research investigated the links between teacher immunity (TI), work passion (WP), job satisfaction (JS), occupational well-being (OW-B) and psychological well-being (PW-B) in the context of AI-assisted language learning. In order to achieve this objective, 392 Iranian teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) were given the Language Teacher Immunity Instrument, the Work Passion Scale, the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Occupational Well-Being Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being at Work Scale. By using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the study identified and quantified the impacts of TI, WP, JS, OW-B, and PW-B via data screening. The findings emphasize the crucial role that TI and WP play in providing a balance in teachers’ JS, OW-B, and PW-B while applying AI in their language instruction. The broad ramifications of this research are explored.
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The Metaphor of AI in Writing in English: A Reflection on EFL Learners’ Motivation to Write, Enjoyment of Writing, Academic Buoyancy, and Academic Success in Writing
Ying He
pp. 271–286
AbstractEN:
Several barriers hinder students from producing clear and impactful written work. Writing assignments are often given on an individual basis, similar to homework, and without any assistance. Students in a classroom context have access to both their classmates and the teacher while they are working in groups or pairs as part of their assignments. The majority of students, however, are clueless about how to begin their homework assignments. The introduction of artificial intelligence in education may help solve this problem. The current research intended to demonstrate the effects of employing automated writing evaluation (AWE) in fostering learners’ writing skills, motivation to write, enjoyment of writing, and academic buoyancy in open and distributed English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. The participants were 86 intermediate EFL students from China. The participants in the experimental group (n = 44) received instruction and feedback from their teachers only; participants in the control group (n = 42) were exposed to their teachers’ instruction as well as AWE. The results of data analysis via one-way multivariate analysis of variance indicated that the participants in the experimental group outperformed their peers in the control group in motivation to write, enjoyment in writing, academic buoyancy, and academic success in writing. Further in-depth discussions proceed regarding the implications of the study.
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Does AI Simplification of Authentic Blog Texts Improve Reading Comprehension, Inferencing, and Anxiety? A One-Shot Intervention in Turkish EFL Context
Ferdi Çelik, Ceylan Yangın Ersanlı and Goshnag Arslanbay
pp. 287–303
AbstractEN:
This experimental study investigates the impact of ChatGPT-simplified authentic texts on university students’ reading comprehension, inferencing, and reading anxiety levels. A within-subjects design was employed, and 105 undergraduate English as a foreign language (EFL) students engaged in both original and ChatGPT-simplified text readings, serving as their own controls. The findings reveal a significant improvement in reading comprehension scores and inferencing scores following ChatGPT intervention. However, no significant change in reading anxiety levels was observed. Results suggest that ChatGPT simplification positively influences reading comprehension and inferencing, but its impact on reading anxiety remains inconclusive. This research contributes to literature on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and sheds light on ChatGPT’s potential to influence language learning experiences within higher education contexts. The study highlights the practical application of ChatGPT as a tool for helping students engage in authentic text readings by making text more comprehensible. Based on the findings, several multifaceted implications that extend to various stakeholders in the field of language education are provided.
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AI and the Future of Teaching: Preservice Teachers’ Reflections on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Open and Distributed Learning
Fatih Karataş and Erkan Yüce
pp. 304–325
AbstractEN:
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in education underscores transformative prospects for open and distributed learning, encompassing distance, hybrid, and blended learning environments. This qualitative study, grounded in narrative inquiry, investigates the experiences and perceptions of 141 preservice teachers engaged with AI, mainly through ChatGPT, over a 3-week implementation on Zoom to understand its influence on their evolving professional identities and instructional methodologies. Employing Strauss and Corbin’s methodological approach of open, axial, and selective coding to analyze reflective narratives, the study unveils significant themes that underscore the dual nature of AI in education. Key findings reveal ChatGPT’s role in enhancing educational effectiveness and accessibility while raising ethical concerns regarding academic integrity and balanced usage. Specifically, ChatGPT was found to empower personalized learning and streamline procedures, yet challenges involving information accuracy and data security remained. The study significantly contributes to teacher education discourse by revealing AI’s complex educational impacts, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive ethical AI literacy in teacher training curricula. However, critical ethical considerations and practical challenges involving academic integrity, information accuracy, and balanced AI use are also brought to light. The research also spotlights the need for responsible AI implementation in open and distributed learning to optimize educational outcomes while addressing potential risks. The study’s insights advocate for future-focused AI literacy frameworks that integrate technological adeptness with ethical considerations, preparing teacher candidates for an intelligent digital educational landscape.
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The Acceptance of AI Tools Among Design Professionals: Exploring the Moderating Role of Job Replacement
Hsi-Hsun Yang
pp. 326–349
AbstractEN:
This study proposes a hypothetical model combining the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) with self-determination theory (SDT) to explore design professionals’ behavioral intentions to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Moreover, it incorporates job replacement (JR) as a moderating role. Chinese-speaking design professionals in regions influenced by Confucian culture were surveyed. An analysis of 565 valid cases with AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) supported the structural model hypothesis. The model explains 52.1% of the variance in behavioral intention to use (BIU), proving its effectiveness in explaining these variances. The results further validate the importance of performance expectancy (PE) over effort expectancy (EE) in influencing BIU. Additionally, it has been shown that the impact on intrinsic motivation (IM) and extrinsic motivation (EM) can be either amplified or diminished by anxiety about JR. For individuals experiencing higher levels of JR anxiety, there is a marked increase in IM. They may perceive adopting AI tools as an opportunity to enhance their skills and job security. Conversely, this anxiety also significantly boosts EM, as the potential for improved efficiency and productivity with AI use becomes a compelling incentive. These findings suggest new paths for academic researchers to explore the psychological impacts of AI on design professionals’ roles. For practitioners, especially in human resources and organizational development, understanding these dynamics can guide the creation of training programs that address job replacement anxiety.
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Video Lectures With AI-Generated Instructors: Low Video Engagement, Same Performance as Human Instructors
Selay Arkün-Kocadere and Şeyma Çağlar-Özhan
pp. 350–369
AbstractEN:
Via AI video generators, it is possible to create educational videos with humanistic instructors by simply providing a script. The characteristics of video types and features of instructors in videos impact video engagement and, consequently, performance. This study aimed to compare the impact of human instructors and AI-generated instructors in video lectures on video engagement and academic performance. Additionally, the study aimed to examine students’ opinions on both types of videos. Convergent-parallel approach mixed method was used in this study. A total of 108 undergraduate students participated: 48 in the experimental group, 52 in the control group, and eight in the focus group. While the experimental group (AI-generated instructor) and control group (human instructor) watched 10 minutes of two videos each in two weeks, the students in the focus group watched both types of videos with human and AI-generated instructors. Data were collected through the Video Engagement Scale (VES) after the experimental process, and the Academic Performance Test as a pretest and posttest was administered in both groups. The findings of the experimental part revealed that learners’ video engagement was higher in the course with the human instructor compared to the course with the AI-generated instructor. However, the instructor type did not have a significant effect on academic performance. The results based on the qualitative part showed that students thought the AI-generated instructor caused distraction, discomfort, and disconnectedness. However, when the video lesson topic was interesting or when students focused on the video with the intention of learning, these feelings could be ignored. In conclusion, even in today’s conditions, there is no difference in performance between human and AI-generated instructors. As AI technology continues to develop, the difference in engagement is expected to disappear, and AI-generated instructors could be used effectively in video lectures.
Literature Reviews
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The Use of Deep Learning in Open Learning: A Systematic Review (2019 to 2023)
Odiel Estrada-Molina, Juanjo Mena and Alexander López-Padrón
pp. 370–393
AbstractEN:
No records of systematic reviews focused on deep learning in open learning have been found, although there has been some focus on other areas of machine learning. Through a systematic review, this study aimed to determine the trends, applied computational techniques, and areas of educational use of deep learning in open learning. The PRISMA protocol was used, and the Web of Science Core Collection (2019–2023) was searched. VOSviewer was used for networking and clustering, and in-depth analysis was employed to answer the research questions. Among the main results, it is worth noting that the scientific literature has focused on the following areas: (a) predicting student dropout, (b) automatic grading of short answers, and (c) recommending MOOC courses. It was concluded that pedagogical challenges have included the effective personalization of content for different learning styles and the need to address possible inherent biases in the datasets (e.g., socio-demographics, traces, competencies, learning objectives) used for training. Regarding deep learning, we observed an increase in the use of pre-trained models, the development of more efficient architectures, and the growing use of interpretability techniques. Technological challenges related to the use of large datasets, intensive computation, interpretability, knowledge transfer, ethics and bias, security, and cost of implementation were also evident.
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Potentials and Implications of ChatGPT for ESL Writing Instruction
Karim Ibrahim and Robert Kirkpatrick
pp. 394–409
AbstractEN:
The release of ChatGPT has marked the dawn of a new information revolution that will transform how people communicate and make meaning. However, to date, little is known about the implications of ChatGPT for L2 composition instruction. To address this gap, the present study uses a systematic review design to synthesize available research on the educational potentials of ChatGPT as an instructional assistant, outline the implications of these potentials for L2 writing instruction, and discuss their practical applications. The findings, based on a meta-analysis of 42 research articles, demonstrate that ChatGPT can enhance L2 writing instruction by boosting learners’ motivation, automating instructional tasks, and offering instantaneous, personalized feedback to learners. These findings have important implications for harnessing the instructional potential of generative AI in L2 writing classes.