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Description
The use of Artificial Intelligence among students in their learning process has been attracting significant attention and investigation. The current study, accordingly, is an attempt to delve into the use of AI tools among first-year English majors to deeper understand the role of these tools in their essay writing process and the perceived effects on students’ English writing skills. Data obtained from 60 questionnaires revealed that AI tools, ChatGPT and Google Gemini in particular, have become an integral part of the students in their essay writing across all stages, among which vocabulary, grammar, and ideas assistance are highly appreciated. Though the students are hesitant about whether they are over-relying on these tools, they generally believe that AI does help improve their English writing skills on the long term. However, from the researcher’s classroom observation, the students’ excessive reliance on these tools during their essay writing process can be seen, especially among those with low-English proficiency. Therefore, further research should clarify the use and effects of AI tools among students of different levels of English to ensure that these tools can actually be their effective study companions.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, first-year, English majors, essay writing
