Exploring Students’ Attitudes towards Using ChatGPT in English Language Classroom at University Level

Abstract

ChatGPT, a language model chatbot introduced in November 2022, has become a focal point of interest in the educational circles, notably in the area of language acquisition. Consideration about its adoption and implementation at the higher education level are still unanswered. This study examines the attitude and how English language learners feel about utilizing ChatGPT at undergraduate level using the Technology Acceptance Model. Eight English language students from four disciplines-sociology, psychology, education, and English at private and public universities in southern Punjab Pakistan participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 14. Findings reveal the most English language learners at Pakistani’s universities have positive attitude and favorable thoughts on ChatGPT for their English Classrooms. It is incredibly user-friendly and supports students in English classes with speaking, writing, clarifying grammar structures, brainstorming, and comprehension of subject matter and assisting in projects and assignments. ChatGPT improves their individualized language learning process and makes them more motivated to study a second language. Among the difficulties they encounter include misinterpret queries, lack of contextual understanding and excessive text redundancy. The study’s findings indicate that while students have accepted this technology in their English classes, teachers should investigate it more and gather information to ensure students utilize it responsibly, help them increase their ability to critically evaluate this technology. Based on these findings research provides suggestions and future implications for further study.