Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

Articles

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): Generative AI and education

The role of ChatGPT in language education: A study of Omani students' perspectives

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.6c5360d1
Submitted
13 August 2026
Published
15-08-2026

Abstract

This study explores students’ perceptions of ChatGPT as a language learning tool in a higher education institution in Oman. Utilizing a questionnaire designed by the researchers, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from 235 students to understand their viewpoints on this AI-driven platform. The analysis reveals generally positive perceptions towards ChatGPT. The respondents appreciated its ability to enhance English language learning experiences by assisting them in writing, aiding in vocabulary expansion, and offering immediate feedback. Students also valued ChatGPT’s accessibility and its utility in translating languages and facilitating comprehension of complex topics. However, the study also identified limitations, such as ChatGPT’s occasional inaccuracies and its tendency to foster overreliance among students. Concerns were also raised about the authenticity of the content generated by ChatGPT and its impact on academic integrity. Despite these challenges, the findings highlight ChatGPT's potential as a supplementary educational tool in language learning. This research contributes to the ongoing discussion about integrating generative AI into educational settings by providing a detailed understanding of students’ viewpoints. These insights can help educators make informed decisions about the deployment of ChatGPT, ensuring it is used effectively to enhance learning while addressing potential challenges.

References

  1. Ali, J.K.M., Shamsan, M.A.A., Hezam, T.A. and Mohammed, A.A.Q. (2023). Impact of ChatGPT on learning motivation: teachers and students’ voices, Journal of English Studies in Arabia Felix, 2(1), 41-49. doi: 10.56540/jesaf.v2i1.51.
  2. Bonsu, E. & Baffour-Koduah, D. (2023, March 16). From the Consumers’ Side: Determining Students’ Perception and Intention to Use ChatGPT in Ghanaian Higher Education. SSRN. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4387107.
  3. Bin-Hady, W.R.A., Al-Kadi, A., Hazaea, A. and Ali, J.K.M. (2023). Exploring the dimensions of ChatGPT in English language learning: a global perspective. Library Hi Tech. Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2023-0200
  4. Bowman, E. (2022, December 19). A new AI chatbot might do your homework for you. But it’s still not an A+ student. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/12/19/1143912956/chatgpt-ai-chatbot-homework-academia
  5. Cai, W. (2023, February 24). ChatGPT can be powerful tool for language learning. https://www.universityaffairs.ca/career-advice/career-advice-article/chatgpt-can-be-powerful-tool-for-language-learning/.
  6. Cassidy, C. (2023, January 10). Australian universities to return to ‘pen and paper’ exams after students caught using AI to write essays. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jan/10/universities-to-return-to-pen-and-paper-exams-after-students-caught-using-ai-to-write-essays
  7. Eva A. M. van Dis, E. A. M., Bollen, J., Willem Zuidema, Robert van Rooij & Claudi L. Bockting (2023). Nature, 614, 224-226. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00288-7.
  8. Essel, H. B., Vlachopoulos, D., Tachie-Menson, A., Johnson, E. E., & Baah, P. K. (2022). The impact of a virtual teaching assistant (chatbot) on students' learning in Ghanaian higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 19(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-022-00362-6
  9. Firat, M. (2023). What ChatGPT means for universities: Perceptions of scholars and students. Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.22
  10. Giray, L., Jacob, J., & Gumalin, D.L. (2024). Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of using ChatGPT in scientific research. International Journal of Technology in Education (IJTE), 7(1), 40-58. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.618
  11. Grant, N., & Mets, C. (2022, December 21). A New Chatbot is a Code Red for Google's Search Business. NYTimes. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/21/technology/ai-chatgpt-google-search.html
  12. Haristiani, N. (2019). Artificial intelligence (AI). chatbot as language learning medium: an inquiry. Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1387(1), 202.
  13. Hong, W. C. H. (2023). The impact of ChatGPT on foreign language teaching and learning: opportunities in education and research. Journal of Educational Technology and Innovation, 3(1). https://jeti.thewsu.org/index.php/cieti/article/view/103
  14. Hu, G. (2023, February 25). Challenges for Enforcing Editorial Policies on AI-generated Papers. Accountability in Research. https://doi.org/10.1080/08989621.2023.2184262
  15. Kim, S., Shim, J., & Shim, J. (2023). A Study on the Utilization of OpenAI ChatGPT as a Second Language Learning Tool. Journal of Multimedia Information System, 10(1), 79–88. https://doi.org/10.33851/jmis.2023.10.1.79
  16. Kohnke, L., Moorhouse, B. L., & Zou, D. (2023). ChatGPT for Language Teaching and Learning. RELC Journal, 54(2), 003368822311628. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231162868
  17. Liu, G., & Ma, C. (2023). Measuring EFL learners’ use of ChatGPT in informal digital learning of English based on the technology acceptance model. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2023.2240316
  18. Patel, S. B., & Lam, K. (2023, February 06). ChatGPT: the future of discharge summaries? The Lancet Digital Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(23)00021-3
  19. Productive Teaching Tool or Innovative Cheating? (n.d.). Study. Retrieved April 13, 2024, from https://study.com/resources/perceptions-of-chatgpt-in-schools
  20. Rahim, M. E. A., Rahim, E. M. A., Razawi, N. A., & Mohamed, N. (2023). Students’ Perception on the Use of ChatGPT as a Language Learning Tool. Ideology Journal, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.24191/idealogy.v8i2.456
  21. Rudolph, J., Tan, S., & Tan, S. (2023). ChatGPT: Bullshit spewer or the end of traditional assessments in higher education? Journal of Applied Learning and Teaching, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.37074/jalt.2023.6.1.9
  22. Shoufan, A. (2023). Exploring students’ perceptions of ChatGPT: Thematic analysis and follow-up survey. IEEE Access, 11, 38805-38818. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2023.3268224
  23. Thuy, T. (2023). The Perception by University Students of the Use of ChatGPT in Education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 18(17), 4–19. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i17.39019
  24. Tlili, A., Shehata, B., Adarkwah, M.A., Bozkurt, A., Hickey, D.T., Huang, R. & Agyemang, B. (2023), What if the devil is my guardian angel: ChatGPT as a case study of using chatbots in education. Smart Learning Environments, 10(1), 15. doi: 10.1186/s40561-023-00237-x.
  25. van Dis, E. A. M., Bollen, J., Zuidema, W., van Rooij, R., & Bockting, C. L. (2023). ChatGPT: Five Priorities for Research. Nature, 614(7947), 224–226. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00288-7.
  26. Winkler, R. &Söllner, M. (2018). Unleashing the Potential of Chatbots in Education: A State-Of-The-Art Analysis. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings. 2018(1). doi: 10.5465/AMBPP.2018.15903abstract
  27. Xiao, Y., & Zhi, Y. (2023). An Exploratory Study of EFL Learners’ Use of ChatGPT for Language Learning Tasks: Experience and Perceptions. Languages, 8(3), 212. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages8030212.