The paper titled "Students’ Attitudes toward Using Chatbot in EFL Learning" primarily focuses on exploring the perceptions of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students regarding the use of chatbots in their learning processes. The research question centers on determining how effective chatbots are in enhancing language acquisition, particularly in terms of usability, precision, assessment, and overall strengths.
The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which chatbots can be integrated into EFL learning environments, particularly for pre-university students in Egypt. The research specifically aims to fill the gap in understanding how secondary school students perceive chatbots, as most existing studies focus on university-level learners.
The methodology used in the study is an exploratory survey approach, utilizing a 20-item questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale. The sample comprises 64 first-year secondary school students from Zagazig, Egypt. The researchers employed descriptive statistics to analyze the responses, focusing on four dimensions: usability, language precision, assessment and feedback, and the strengths of chatbots.
The key findings indicate that students found chatbots like Duolingo and Falou to be accessible, easy to use, and effective in improving their language skills. The chatbots were particularly praised for their ability to provide immediate feedback, reduce anxiety, and build confidence. However, some limitations were noted, such as the chatbots' occasional lack of understanding of different dialects and their mechanical nature, which could make interactions feel unnatural.
The study concludes that while chatbots offer significant benefits, including increased autonomy and motivation among students, their limitations, such as a lack of spontaneity and the need for more advanced updates, should be addressed. The researchers emphasize the importance of integrating chatbots in EFL learning with careful consideration of their strengths and weaknesses to optimize their use in educational settings.