Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on ChatGPT, April 2024 Pp. 138-155
Center for Global Studies
College of Social Sciences
The International University of Rabat, Morocco
Department of English, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences
Mohamed V University, Morocco
Amidst the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into education, this research aims to uncover patterns and themes within student-written assignments, shedding light on the diverse impacts of AI tools on the writing process. This study explores the intricate dynamics of undergraduate EFL learners’ interaction with AI-supported writing tools, focusing specifically on writing. The investigation, guided by questions about student use of AI-supported writing tools and the influence of different tools on writing quality, addresses notable gaps in the existing literature. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with purposive sampling of 62 Business Law undergraduates enrolled in a general English course at the International University of Rabat, Morocco, dividing them into two groups: one received structured AI training, while the other acted as a control group. Results revealed positive outcomes in language proficiency, creativity, organizational skills, and vocabulary use with AI assistance, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on writing. The study also observed shifting preferences in AI writing tools, urging educators and developers to adapt to evolving user choices and promote continuous innovation in AI writing tools.
Moussa, A., & Belhiah, H. (2024). Beyond Syntax: Exploring Moroccan Undergraduate EFL Learners’ Engagement with AI-Assisted Writing. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Special Issue on ChatGPT, April 2024: 138-155.
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Anass Moussa is currently the director of the center for Languages, Academic and Soft Skills at the International University of Rabat, Morocco. Anass has previous taught in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The UAE and Morocco. His professional interests include foreign language teaching/learning, assessment, feedback, and quality assurance in higher education.
ORCID : https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3609-668X
Hassan Belhiah holds a Ph.D. (2005) and an MA (1998) in English from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He works as a Professor of English and Linguistics at Mohammed V University in Rabat and Vice Dean of Continuing Education and Academic Affairs. He is also Head of the Doctoral Program: Literature, Linguistics, & Cultural Studies. His publications have appeared in Classroom Discourse, Journal of Pragmatics, The Modern Language Journal, Language Policy, and Applied Linguistics. Email:hbelhiah@uwalumni.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1743-701X