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AI in informal digital English learning: A meta-analysis of its effectiveness on proficiency, motivation, and self-regulation
Open accessAbstract
This meta-analysis examines the efficacy of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in second language acquisition within self-directed, out-of-classroom informal contexts. A total of 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified that examined the impact of GenAI on second-language proficiency, motivation, and self-regulation. GenAI was shown to have significant effects on English proficiency and self-regulation, demonstrating its versatility in enhancing language learning outcomes. However, GenAI failed to show significant effects on learning motivation, and based on this finding we highlight the need to develop measures of motivation that are suitable for GenAI in education. Possible ways to apply GenAI in the informal language learning environment are also discussed based on the included literature.
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“This finding agrees with the results of Guan et al. (2024) and may be attributed to the consistent positive feedback students receive from ChatGPT during extended usage.”
From RETRACTED ARTICLE: The effect of ChatGPT on students’ learning performance, learning perception, and higher-order thinking: insights from a meta-analysis (2025) · cites this paper as Guan et al. 2024
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Sorted by citations
Wang, J., & Fan, W. (2025) · Humanities and Social Sciences Communications · doi:10.1057/s41599-025-04787-y · Cited by 322
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Metadata
- Authors
- Guan, L., Li, S., & Gu, M. M.
- Affiliations
- Education University of Hong Kong (HK)
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK)
- Corresponding author
- Guan, Lihang
- Gu, Mingyue Michelle
- Venue
- Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2024-12
- Volume
- 7
- Pages
- 100323
- ISSN
- 2666-920X (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4403915833
- Semantic Scholar
- c800cfd39878472245f2f6ca71d01b320d52c501
- Cited by
- 72
- References
- 96
- Citations by year
- 2026: 43 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 1
- FWCI
- 16.74
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
- Social Sciences › Education › Artificial Intelligence in Education
- Social Sciences › Education › English Language Learning and Teaching
- Keywords
- generative AI, informal language learning, English as a second language, second language proficiency, student motivation, student self-regulation, self-directed learning, out-of-classroom learning, artificial intelligence in education
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