Investigating the Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence Tools in improving Students' Academic Writing.

Abstract

The mastery of writing skills in English as a foreign language presents a significant challenge for learners as they often encounter numerous obstacles and make various mistakes. This study investigates the potential of artificial intelligence tools to reduce these challenges and enhance academic writing skills. The primary goal is to examine the effectiveness of AI-based tools in enhancing the academic writing capabilities of English language learners. The study also seeks to gauge the perceptions of learners and educators regarding the usefulness of AI tools in the context. Within the context of this work, the research questions are as follows: 1/ What is the impact of AI-based tools on students’ academic English writing skills? 2/ How can artificial intelligence be used to improve learners’ academic writing? 3/ what specific areas of academic writing can artificial intelligence technologies effectively support? In response to these questions, a mixed-method approach was utilized involving a questionnaire administered to 30 master-one English students and interviews with 8 Written Expression teachers at the Department of Foreign Languages, Mila University Center. The study findings indicate that both students and teachers are aware of the potential benefits of using AI in academic writing. In addition, both students and teachers acknowledged the role of AI in reducing the time spent on revising drafts and providing insights into writing patterns that could be improved. The overall agreement among participants was that when used wisely, AI tools could significantly aid in the development of critical thinking and analytical skills essential for academic writing.