The Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in English Language Teaching, Learning, and Academic Publications

In our first volume in 2024, we discussed the challenges posed by ChatGPT. We noted that the rapid advancement of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a complex mix of fear, excitement, and concerns within academia. Despite initial worries surrounding the release of the first version of ChatGPT in November 2022, millions of people around the world have welcomed various artificial intelligence applications and tools. Since its launch, ChatGPT has experienced significant growth in its user base. OpenAI has set a target of reaching one billion users by the end of 2025 (Duarte, 2025). The concern about AI in academic life was mainly about plagiarism and academic integrity, assessment challenges, and evaluating learning. AI also might not develop critical skills like writing, reasoning, or coding skills that are supposed to be part of their academic formation. Despite the concerns, many educators are also excited about AI’s potential to personalize learning, support students with disabilities, help with language barriers, and offer instant feedback. There are several AI tools available now: ChatGPT, Canva, Gemini, Copilot, Grok, Claude, etc., but ChatGPT stands out as the leading and most popular tool in language programming. Additionally, Microsoft offers free training for anyone looking to enhance and deepen their AI skills in various languages, including Arabic.