Le Colloque > Résumés > Babaci Wilhite Zehlia

Foreign language learning could be revolutionized by ChatGPT. Nonetheless, given the hazards and uncertainties associated with ChatGPT, it is still unclear how this big language model could affect the quality of foreign language learning. Thus, it becomes essential to evaluate the acceptability and usability of this prospective tool. This research investigates students' perceptions of adopting ChatGPT as a tool for foreign language learning. It endeavors to answer the research question: To what extent do students accept, adopt and use Chat ChatGPT in learning foreign languages? Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 100 participants from different nationalities. The questionnaire assesses the students' cognitive, behavioral and affective levels of using ChatGPT in learning English and French as foreign languages. Data were analyzed in in light of the theoretical framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The statistical analysis of the data reveals that on the affective level, students find ChatGPT a motivating, enjoyable, enhancing self-assurance, useful and easy-to-use tool for learning their target language. On the cognitive level, the results demonstrate that ChatGPT could make the foreign language learning experience much better and more effective, sharpen foreign language skills and improve the quality of their learning, providing a deeper understanding of the FL and its culture, offering opportunities to practice speaking and listening without a human partner or teacher and improving higher-order skills (i.e. Evaluation, problem-solving and creativity). On the behavioral level, the results demonstrate a growing tendency among students to use ChatGPT as an educational foreign language learning resource and invest time and effort to follow the improvements in ChatGPT to better utilize it to achieve foreign language proficiency. Thus, their positive attitudes toward using ChatGPT have motivated them to use it in learning languages. Despite its acceptability and usability for learning foreign languages, the students reveal some concerns about ChatGPT including misuse, reliability, over-dependency and ethical considerations. Thus, in spite of ChatGPT's considerable opportunities, its use should not be without restrictions. Using it should be fully monitored and regulated. The findings, provide academics, policymakers and AI developers with valuable information to help them create appropriate plans that would guarantee ChatGPT is employed ethically and optimally while addressing implementation issues.