THE ROLE OF CHAT-GPT IN LEARNERS’ AUTONOMY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR ESL LEARNERS

Abstract

The emergence of advanced language learning tools, like Chat-GPT presents both opportunities and challenges for educators and students who are seeking to optimize this integration. The widespread use of technology within the ESL classroom necessitates a critical examination of its role in facilitating the integration of teaching and learning processes. This paper aimed to examine the role of Chat-GPT in learners’ autonomy with focus on its prospects and challenges for ESL learners. The researchers used a mixed-methods approach in the study by employing questionnaire as a data collection tool comprising closed and opened-ended questions. For the study, 33 undergraduate students were selected from the Department of English, University of Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan through convenience sampling technique. After the data collection, the data were analyzed through pie charts for percentage and frequency. Moreover, Word-cloud software was also utilized to analyze the responses of the students. The findings revealed some of the major benefits of Chat-GPT such as it helped the learners in personalized learning, promoted learners’ autonomy, and provided instant accessibility. Furthermore, the tool enhanced learners’ motivation, and improved their language skills. However, it also presented some challenges to the learners such as over-reliance on technology, bias and inaccuracy, no information for innovative ideas, risk of plagiarism, lack of human interaction and the lack of technical requirements. Thus, the study suggests that Chat-GPT is an important realization of the modern-day technology; however, the educators are required to update their teaching practices accordingly. Moreover, they should find out remedial measures to address the challenges presented by Chat-GPT for ESL learners.