ChatGPT and the development of core language skills: An exploratory study of EFL college students

Chatbots with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, such as ChatGPT, are an important tool for language learning because they provide an interactive and adaptive learning environment that can be adjusted to each learner’s level of skill. This paper explores the application of ChatGPT, an advanced AI-powered chatbot, as a tool for language learning, focusing on the development of core language skills such as speaking, reading, writing, listening, and communication. The study involves 30 English as a foreign language college students from two different higher education contexts, Iraq and the Czech Republic. The research utilizes two methods; content analysis by asking direct questions and using ChatGPT as a guide to recommend actions is the second phase, followed by an exercise partner and rater. Jigsaw technique is also used to assign language skills to the groups of participants to consult ChatGPT then share and evaluate its effectiveness. A phenomenographic research design using an interview was used to gather data for this study, which accurately reflects how a group of people views a certain phenomenon. Following the six-week experiment, the participants are interviewed to get their thoughts on using ChatGPT to improve language skills. The findings indicate that ChatGPT’s content analysis method has limited effectiveness in developing language skills due to the kind of output gained which is only instructions and/or recommendations. However, using ChatGPT as a guide and then as a partner offers very big support for students in all language skills, with varied results influenced by the prompts used. Students generally have positive attitudes toward using ChatGPT, finding it essential for developing their speaking (75%), writing (100%), listening (87%), reading (87%), and communication (75%). The study suggests that ChatGPT may be more advantageous for students if it is used in regular language practice for a long period of time.