English Language Teaching (ELT) in the digital age: A meta-thematic analysis of artificial intelligence research

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly being integrated into educational processes, offering various benefits to students, educators, and education systems. This study employs a meta-analysis approach to examine research conducted in Turkey on the use of AI in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction and compares the findings with international studies. A total of 18 academic studies were analyzed in this study, including eight master's theses and eight peer-reviewed journal articles. The data were examined using content analysis, and the identified codes were categorized into ten thematic groups. The findings indicate that AI enhances motivation in language learning, supports personalized learning, and facilitates academic writing. However, the study also highlights ethical, pedagogical, and technical concerns regarding the use of AI in education. In conclusion, the responsible and balanced integration of AI into educational contexts is emphasized as a necessity.