A Study of the Effects of Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) on English Communication among Students at Northeastern University, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to 1) examine the level of the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on English communication, 2) investigate the factors affecting the use of AI in English communication, and 3) develop guidelines for using AI in English communication among the students at Northeastern University, Khon Kaen province. A mixed-methods research design was used in this study, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample group consisted of 100 students from the English for Communication Program   and the English Language Teaching Program at Northeastern University, Khon Kaen province, selected through purposive sampling. The qualitative research participants included 10 instructors. The research instruments were a questionnaire and deep interviews. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis using the Stepwise method and descriptive analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1) The level of the effects of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) on English communication among students at Northeastern University, Khon Kaen province, in overall, was at a moderate level (Mean = 3.04, S.D. = 0.48). When ranked from the highest to the lowest level, the effects were found as follows: the aspect of confidence in English communication, English communication skills, and learning and self-development, respectively. 2) Factors significantly affecting the use of AI in English communication at .05 level included students’ technological skills, access to and use of AI technology, and attitudes toward and perception of AI, with unstandardized regression coefficients of .334, .254, and .109, respectively. 3) The guidelines for the development emphasized the use of AI as a learning support tool to enhance English communication skills, together with the promotion of critical and ethical use of AI, the integration of AI into the process of teaching and learning management, and the creation of a learning environment conducive to English language usage to achieve maximum benefits and sustainability.