Article
Integration of AI into the Distance Learning Environment: Enhancing Soft Skills
Arab World English Journal
(2024)
Abstract
Soft skills have become increasingly essential for success in the modern world, especially in the labor market, where employers value employees’ social and communication skills. Online education, which is an integral part of the educational process in Ukraine, is adjusting to the development of students’ soft skills. Integrating artificial intelligence tools into English language learning is becoming a new direction in soft skills development. This approach opens up new teaching strategies that make learning more effective, engaging, and innovative. While learning English, students develop communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which contribute to their educational process and prepare the foundation for employment. The study aims to 1) evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence on the development of students’ soft skills in online learning; 2) identify the most essential soft skills for their effective learning and future employment based on a student survey; 3) develop criteria for an online course using artificial intelligence and outline strategies for integrating the ChatGPT tool into distance learning English classes. To achieve the objectives of our study, we developed and processed a questionnaire, collected quantitative data, and analyzed and interpreted qualitative data; the study sample included 304 students. The questionnaire results showed a generally positive attitude of students towards using artificial intelligence in English for Specific Purposes courses. They opened up prospects for introducing an online course in the English for Specific Purposes program and further research, including an experiment with the introduction of this online course.
Keywords
- Artificial intelligence,
- distance education,
- English for Specific Purposes,
- ChatGPT,
- higher education,
- smart technologies,
- soft skills.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring April 24, 2024
DOI
https://dx.doi.org/10.24093/awej/ChatGPT.3
Citation Information
Inna Borkovska, Hanna Kolosova, Iryna Kozubska & Inna Antonenko. "Integration of AI into the Distance Learning Environment: Enhancing Soft Skills" Arab World English Journal Vol. 1 Iss. 1 (2024) p. 56 - 72 ISSN: 2229-9327 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/arabworldenglishjournal-awej/1681/