Cited by 106Artificial Intelligence in EducationEFL/ESL Teaching and LearningEnglish Language Learning and Teaching

Using generative artificial intelligence/ChatGPT for academic communication: Students' perspectives

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Liu, Yanhua, Park, Jaeuk, McMinn, Sean·2024·International Journal of Applied Linguistics

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT with their human‐like intelligence and language processing capabilities are significantly impacting the way we live, work, and communicate with each other. While scholars have increasingly focused on the use of GenAI in higher education since its inception, little is known about how key higher education stakeholders, particularly students, perceive its impact on teaching and learning within the context of academic communication, an area central to students' development of transferable skills and literacy competencies yet heavily influenced by the technology. This empirical study addresses the gap by investigating students' experiences and attitudes toward GenAI tools for English academic communication, focusing on their overall perceptions, perceived benefits, limitations, and challenges. Drawing on data from a questionnaire survey with 475 students and interviews with 12 at two universities in China, our findings indicate that students generally view GenAI positively, considering them useful for learning academic communication skills, particularly in writing, grammar, vocabulary, and reading. However, limitations are recognized in terms of giving feedback on critical thinking, creativity, and speaking skills. In addition, information reliability, ethical issues, and impact on assessment and academic integrity also emerged as important concerns. Our study argues that universities should embrace and capitalize on the affordances of GenAI and address its challenges to better support students' learning of critical academic literacy.

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  • GenAI applications in language education can offer numerous benefits that can particularly support learners from low-income families.

    “Four studies (Foung et al., 2024;Li, Li, & Cho, 2023;Liu et al., 2024;Mabuan, 2024) illustrate how GenAI applications in language education can offer numerous benefits that can particularly support learners from lowincome families.”

    From Generative AI in Language Education: Bridging Divide and Fostering Inclusivity (2025) · cites this paper as Liu et al., 2024

    Section 4.2.1 (Benefits) reports several benefits for language learners, including help with writing, vocabulary, reading, and feedback. It does not identify learners from low-income families as particular beneficiaries. Section 4.2.2 (Limitations and challenges) instead notes that payment requirements can disadvantage students without easy access. (LLM, conf=0.86)

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Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Biggs, J., & Tang, C. (2011). EBOOK: Teaching for quality learning at university. McGraw-Hill Education.
  2. Chakraborty, U., Roy, S., & Kumar, S. (2023). Rise of generative AI and ChatGPT: Understand how generative AI and ChatGPT are transforming and reshaping the business world (English Edition). BPB Publications. https://books.google.co.kr/books?id=
  3. Chan, C. K. Y., & Zhou, W. (2023). Deconstructing student perceptions of generative AI (GenAI) through an expectancy value theory (EVT)-based instrument. arXiv preprint arXiv:2305.01186. · arXiv
  4. Clarizia, F., Colace, F., Lombardi, M., Pascale, F., & Santaniello, D. (2018). Chatbot: An education support system for student. In Lecture notes in computer science: Volume 11161. Cyberspace safety and security (pp. 291-302). Springer.
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  6. Raman, R., Mandal, S., Das, P., Kaur, T., Sanjanasri, J., & Nedungadi, P. (2023). University students as early adopters of ChatGPT: Innovation diffusion study. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2734142/v1 · DOI

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Authors
Liu, Y., Park, J., & McMinn, S.
Affiliations
  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) (CN)
  • Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HK)
Corresponding author
Park, Jaeuk
Venue
International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2024-06-27
Volume
34
Issue
4
Pages
1437-1461
ISSN
  • 0802-6106 (ISSN-L)
  • 1473-4192
OpenAlex
W4400137179
Cited by
106
References
47
Citations by year
2026: 56 · 2025: 46 · 2024: 4
FWCI
39.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • International Journal of Applied Linguistics (publishedVersion)
  • Rare & Special e-Zone (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Language and Linguistics › EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › English Language Learning and Teaching
Keywords
generative AI, ChatGPT, scholarly communication, student perceptions, English academic writing, academic literacy, higher education, AI in teaching and learning, academic integrity, information reliability, AI ethics, assessment, transferable skills

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