Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments has revolutionized traditional practices by offering efficiency, accuracy, and personalized learning pathways. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools, s...

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Main Authors: Seyed Reza Abedi, Farnaz Divanpour, Seyed Reza Molaee, Hailay Tesfay Gebremariam
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: WISE Pendidikan Indonesia 2025-02-01
Series:Language, Technology, and Social Media
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Online Access:https://journal.wiseedu.co.id/index.php/ltsmjournal/article/view/83
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author Seyed Reza Abedi
Farnaz Divanpour
Seyed Reza Molaee
Hailay Tesfay Gebremariam
author_facet Seyed Reza Abedi
Farnaz Divanpour
Seyed Reza Molaee
Hailay Tesfay Gebremariam
author_sort Seyed Reza Abedi
collection DOAJ
description The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments has revolutionized traditional practices by offering efficiency, accuracy, and personalized learning pathways. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools, such as Grammarly, Duolingo, and Write & Improve, in improving ESL learners' proficiency across writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Quantitative findings from 150 learners show significant improvements in writing (16.6%) and reading (13.8%), while gains in speaking (5.4%) and listening (4.2%) remain modest, reflecting the limitations of AI in handling nuanced oral communication. Qualitative insights from 20 instructors reveal challenges, including algorithmic bias, cultural insensitivity, and concerns over data privacy. Despite these issues, AI tools are praised for reducing grading time and providing instant feedback. The study emphasizes the need for ethical guidelines, equitable access, and human oversight to address existing limitations and ensure inclusive educational outcomes. Additionally, it highlights the digital divide, where socio-economic disparities limit access to premium AI tools, exacerbating educational inequalities. By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in ESL education. It advocates for a balanced integration of AI, positioning it as a complementary tool that amplifies human expertise rather than replacing it. This study contributes to ongoing discussions on the ethical and practical implications of AI in education, offering recommendations for policymakers, educators, and developers to optimize its potential.
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spelling doaj-art-2746be28317142fd9eaf6375ec3f78f42025-02-02T21:39:50ZengWISE Pendidikan IndonesiaLanguage, Technology, and Social Media3026-71962025-02-013110.70211/ltsm.v3i1.83Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future DirectionsSeyed Reza Abedi0Farnaz Divanpour1Seyed Reza Molaee2Hailay Tesfay Gebremariam3Westminster College London, London, United KingdomWestminster College, London, United KingdomWestminster College, London, United KingdomArba Minch University The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into English as a Second Language (ESL) assessments has revolutionized traditional practices by offering efficiency, accuracy, and personalized learning pathways. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools, such as Grammarly, Duolingo, and Write & Improve, in improving ESL learners' proficiency across writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Quantitative findings from 150 learners show significant improvements in writing (16.6%) and reading (13.8%), while gains in speaking (5.4%) and listening (4.2%) remain modest, reflecting the limitations of AI in handling nuanced oral communication. Qualitative insights from 20 instructors reveal challenges, including algorithmic bias, cultural insensitivity, and concerns over data privacy. Despite these issues, AI tools are praised for reducing grading time and providing instant feedback. The study emphasizes the need for ethical guidelines, equitable access, and human oversight to address existing limitations and ensure inclusive educational outcomes. Additionally, it highlights the digital divide, where socio-economic disparities limit access to premium AI tools, exacerbating educational inequalities. By combining quantitative data with qualitative insights, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of AI's role in ESL education. It advocates for a balanced integration of AI, positioning it as a complementary tool that amplifies human expertise rather than replacing it. This study contributes to ongoing discussions on the ethical and practical implications of AI in education, offering recommendations for policymakers, educators, and developers to optimize its potential. https://journal.wiseedu.co.id/index.php/ltsmjournal/article/view/83Artificial IntelligenceDigital MediaEthical ImplicationsHuman CreativitySociocultural ImpactDigital Art
spellingShingle Seyed Reza Abedi
Farnaz Divanpour
Seyed Reza Molaee
Hailay Tesfay Gebremariam
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
Language, Technology, and Social Media
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Media
Ethical Implications
Human Creativity
Sociocultural Impact
Digital Art
title Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
title_full Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
title_fullStr Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
title_full_unstemmed Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
title_short Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for ESL Assessments: Efficiency, Challenges, and Future Directions
title_sort harnessing artificial intelligence for esl assessments efficiency challenges and future directions
topic Artificial Intelligence
Digital Media
Ethical Implications
Human Creativity
Sociocultural Impact
Digital Art
url https://journal.wiseedu.co.id/index.php/ltsmjournal/article/view/83
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AT hailaytesfaygebremariam harnessingartificialintelligenceforeslassessmentsefficiencychallengesandfuturedirections