Exploring Rural EFL Lecturers’ Perspectives on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Foreign Language Pedagogy

Main Article Content

Ridho Praja Dinata
Nunung Suryati
Moh. Kholilurrahman Jailani
Yohanes Paulus Keli
Mala Rovikasari
Mutia Hasymi

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence has significantly reshaped foreign language pedagogy, encouraging rural EFL lecturers to move beyond traditional methods. This study aims to investigate the perspectives of rural EFL lecturers in Indonesia on integrating AI into their teaching practices. Using a qualitative design and case study approach, the study explores how rural lecturers perceive the role of AI in language teaching and integrate foreign language pedagogy for classroom dynamics and learning outcomes. The participants included four EFL lecturers from different institutions selected through a purposive sampling technique to ensure a variety of teaching contexts and exposure to AI tools. The data collection method included semi-structured interviews and observation focusing on AI integration and challenges. This study analyzed the data using thematic analysis to identify the key themes of rural EFL lecturers’ perspectives. The study revealed that AI offers significant benefits, including streamlining lesson preparation, facilitating interactive and personalized learning experiences, and fostering independent learning among students. However, infrastructural limitations such as unreliable internet connectivity and gaps in digital literacy hinder AI’s optimal implementation. The result shows that integrating AI into rural foreign language pedagogy has a significant role in enhancing teaching.

Article Details

How to Cite
Praja Dinata, R., Suryati, N., Kholilurrahman Jailani, M., Paulus Keli, Y., Rovikasari, M., & Hasymi, M. (2025). Exploring Rural EFL Lecturers’ Perspectives on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Foreign Language Pedagogy. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 18(2), 633–654. https://doi.org/10.70730/OVMA8060
Section
Research Articles
Author Biographies

Ridho Praja Dinata, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Ridho Praja Dinata: An English lecturer at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Batanghari University, Indonesia. He is currently pursuing his Doctoral at the State University of Malang, Indonesia. His research interests include English language teaching and the integration of educational technology in language teaching.

Nunung Suryati, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Nunung Suryati: The Professor at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, the State University of Malang, Indonesia. She received her PhD in English Education. English language teaching is her research interest.

Moh. Kholilurrahman Jailani, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Moh. Kholilurrahman Jailani: An English Instructor at Language Center, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia. His research interests center on English language teaching (ELT) and the integration of educational technology in language teaching. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate at the State University of Malang, Indonesia.

Yohanes Paulus Keli, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Yohanes Paulus Keli: A Student at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, the State University of Malang, Indonesia. His research interests include Speaking Anxiety and the integration of educational technology in language teaching.

Mala Rovikasari, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Mala Rovikasari: A Student at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, the State University of Malang, Indonesia. Her research interests include English language education and the integration of educational technology in language teaching.

Mutia Hasymi, Department of English, Faculty of Letters, State University of Malang, Indonesia

Mutia Hasymi: A Student at the English Department, Faculty of Letters, the State University of Malang, Indonesia. Her research interests include English language education and intercultural communicative competence.

References

Batista, J., Mesquita, A., & Carnaz, G. (2024). Generative AI and higher education: trends, challenges, and future directions from a systematic literature review. Information, 15(676), 2-27. https://doi.org/10.3390/info15110676

Castro, A., Díaz, B., Aguilera, C., Prat, M., & Chávez-Herting, D. (2025). Identifying rural elementary teachers’ perception challenges and opportunities in integrating artificial intelligence in teaching practices. Sustainability, 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062748

Clarke, V., & Braun, V. (2017). Thematic analysis. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(3), 297-298. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1262613

Eden, C. A., Chisom, O. N., & Adeniyi, I. S. (2024). Integrating AI in education: Opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 10(02), 006-013. https://doi.org/10.30574/msarr.2024.10.2.0039

De la Vall, R. R. F., & Araya, F. G. (2023). Exploring the benefits and challenges of AI-language learning. The International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 10(01), 7569-7576. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v10i01.02

Feng, L. (2024). Investigating the effects of artificial intelligence-assisted language learning strategies on cognitive load and learning outcomes: A comparative study. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 62(8). https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331241268349

Gao, Y., Wang, Q., & Wang, W. (2024). Exploring EFL university teachers’ beliefs in integrating ChatGPT and other large language models in language education: a study in China. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 44(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2024.2305173

Grassini, S. (2024). Shaping the future of education: Exploring the potential and consequences of AI and ChatGPT in educational settings. Education Science, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13070692

Huang, X., Zou, D., Cheng, G., Chen, X., & Xie, H. (2023). Trends, research issues and applications of artificial intelligence in language education. Educational Technology & Society, 26(1), 112-131. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202301_26(1).0009

Hwang, W. Y., Nurtantyana, R., Purba, S. W. D., Hariyanti, U., Indrihapsari, Y., & Surjono, H. D. (2023). AI and recognition technologies to facilitate English as a foreign language writing for supporting personalization and contextualization in authentic contexts. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(5), 1008-1035. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331221137253.

Jiang, R. (2022). How does artificial intelligence empower EFL teaching and learning nowadays? A review on artificial intelligence in the EFL context. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1049401.

Kamarullah, Sarinauli, B., & Syahmidi, H. (2024). AI writing tools in the classroom: Investigating usage, challenges, and adaptations by rural English teachers. Journal of English Education and Applied Linguistics, 13(3), 1015-1042. https://doi.org/10.24127/pj.v13i3.10914

Kormos, E. & Wisdom, K. (2021). Rural schools and the digital divide: technology in the learning experience and challenges to integration. Theory & Practice in Rural Education, 11(1), 25-39. https://doi.org/10.3776/tpre.2021.v11n1p25-39.

Kundu, A. & Bej, T. (2025). Transforming EFL teaching with AI: A systematic review of empirical studies. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-025-00470-0

Lo, C. K. (2023). What Is the Impact of ChatGPT on Education? A Rapid Review of the Literature. Educational Science, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040410

Mustafa, F., Nguyen, H. T. M., & Gao, X. A. (2024). The challenges and solutions of technology integration in rural schools: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102380.

Nazari, N., Shabbir, M. S., & Setiawan, R. (2021). Application of artificial intelligence powered digital writing assistant in higher education: Randomized controlled trial. Heliyon, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07014

Rintaningrum, R. (2023). Technology integration in English language teaching and learning: Benefits and challenges. Cogent Education, 10, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2022.2164690

Samuel, Y., Brennan-Tonetta, M., Samuel. J., Kashyap, R., Kumar, V., Kaashyap, S. K., Chidipothu, N., Anand, I., & Jain, P. (2023). Cultivation of human centered artificial intelligence: Culturally adaptive thinking in education (CATE) for AI. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1198180

Siregar, R. A., Raja, F. D., Purnawarman, P., & Damayanti, I. L. (2024). The lonely journey of EFL pre-service teachers in remote areas: Readiness and challenges in integrating ICT in teaching. Teaching English with Technology, 24(1), 59-78. https://doi.org/10.56297/FSYB3031/WWCS6171.

Strielkowski, W., Grebennikova, V., Lisovskiy, A., Rakhimova, G., & Vasileva, T. (2024). AI-driven adaptive learning for sustainable educational transformation. Sustainable Development, 33(2), 1921-1947. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3221

Stroupe, R. (2024). Navigating challenges: English language education in rural Indonesia. TEFL Praxis Journal, 3, 3-23. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14286313

Topal, İ. H. (2024). A critical evaluation of CALL and MALL products for learning and teaching American English. e-Kafkas Journal of Educational Research, 11, 543-560. https://doi:10.30900/kafkasegt.1400193

UNESCO. (2022). The digital divide and the future of education: Implications for rural areas. UNESCO

Pratolo, B. W., Fatimah, N., Soviyah., & Zuraina, A. (2022). Digital literacy readiness: Voices of Indonesian primary and secondary English teachers. English Language Teaching Educational Journal, 5(2), 129-142. https://doi.org/10.12928/eltej.v5i2.6562

Priantini, N. W. A., Dewi, D. A. A. R., Maharani, A. A. P., Budiarta, I. K., Sawitri, N. L. P. D., & Negi, H. K. (2024). Lecturers’ readiness and intentions for AI integration in Indonesian and Indian ELL classroom. English Review: Journal of English Education, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.25134/erjee.v12i3.10034

Wang, X., & Reynolds, B. L. (2024). Beyond the books: Exploring factors shaping Chinese English learners’ engagement with large language models for vocabulary learning. Education Science, 14(496). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14050496.

Wei, L. (2023). Artificial intelligence in language instruction: Impact on English learning achievement, L2 motivation, and self-regulated learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1261955

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Zou, D., Huang, Y., & Xie, H. (2023). Transforming language education: A systematic review of AI applications. Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.caeai.2023.100123