AI IN LANGUAGE LEARNING: ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES ON USING CHATGPT FOR BUSINESS EMAILS

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational contexts has garnered increasing interest, particularly regarding its potential to enhance language learning. This study examines the perceptions of students learning English for Specific Purposes (ESP) towards the use of ChatGPT, an advanced conversational AI, for writing business emails. This investigation forms part of a broader experimental research project that explores the impact of ai tools on their motivation and writing performance. These students, who are specializing in various fields requiring specific English language skills, were selected based on their engagement in writing business communications, a critical aspect of their ESP curriculum. The data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. The questionnaire was designed to capture a comprehensive range of perceptions, including the students' attitudes towards ChatGPT, their experiences using the tool, and the perceived benefits and challenges. The findings of the study indicate that the students generally hold positive perceptions towards the use of ChatGPT for writing business emails. A significant majority of participants reported that the AI tool enhanced their learning experience, making it more enjoyable and engaging. Despite these positive perceptions, the study also uncovered several considerations for the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into writing classes. One notable concern raised by students was the potential over-reliance on AI-generated content. Some participants expressed worries that excessive dependence on ChatGPT might hinder the development of their independent writing skills.