The Double-Edged Sword: Benefits and Challenges that Artificial Intelligence Tools can Bring to EFL Teaching and Learning

Abstract

AI tools are applications or programs that simulate human intelligence to assist people in automating tasks or solving problems. Thereby, they can be beneficial in EFL classes. Nonetheless, they could also present limitations that should be known in order to use them wisely. Considering this, the present qualitative review aims at reporting on the impacts of AI tools on EFL teaching and learning. More specifically, it seeks to shed light on the benefits and potential challenges associated with their use, according to the literature. The results of benefits of AI for teachers indicated that the highest volume of supporting articles was for the subcategory Teachers’ Experience and that Improved Skills and Accessibility had the lowest number of works. For learners, Students’ Experience and Improved Skills received more support and Digital Knowledge and Openness to Technology had the fewest studies. Regarding challenges of AI for educators, Implementation Challenges had the highest number of articles and Ethical Concerns and Quality received the lowest research coverage. In the case of learners, Quality and Implementation Challenges were principally supported and Lack of Variety and Personalized Learning had the fewest works. Lastly, what these results suggest for teaching and learning is further discussed.

Keywords

• Benefits
• challenges
• AI tools
• EFL
• teaching
• learning