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Exploring Inventions in Self-Directed Language Learning with Generative AI: Implementations and Perspectives of YouTube Content Creators

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Abstract

This study explores the integration of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in self-directed language learning (SDLL) as perceived by YouTube content creators. Through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 14 prominent online language educators with related YouTube videos on ChatGPT, the present study investigates: (1) their perceptions of GenAI as a tool for SDLL, (2) strategies that they recommend to effectively utilize ChatGPT for enhancing SDLL, and (3) the guidelines they suggest for fostering SDLL with AI. The findings show that YouTube-based language educators acknowledged ChatGPT as a vital tool for SDLL as it offers availability, versatility, and transformative potential. Besides linguistic benefits, ChatGPT enhances SDLL experiences by generating contextually relevant responses and fostering meaningful conversations and learner growth. The study highlights the importance of addressing ethical, pedagogical, and sociocultural factors when incorporating AI in SDL and educators’ critical role in facilitating learners’ navigation through the evolving landscape of SDL in the age of generative AI. The study contributes to refining online language learning models and comprehending the impact of generative AI on SDL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

    Belle Li

  2. Writing Department, Colby College, Waterville, ME, USA

    Chaoran Wang

  3. Department of Learning, Design, and Adult Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Curtis J. Bonk & Xiaojing Kou

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  1. Belle Li
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  2. Chaoran Wang
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Correspondence to Belle Li.

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Appendix A

Appendix A

Background

  1. 1.

    Could you please briefly introduce yourself including where you are from and your background in terms of language learning or teaching?

  2. 2.

    What language(s) are you currently teaching and what level?

Motivation of using ChatGPT in Language Education

  1. 1.

    What inspired you to start using ChatGPT in language education?

  2. 2.

    Why do you want to make a video about ChatGPT in language education?

  3. 3.

    How have you collaborated with other individuals or teams in your exploration of ChatGPT, and what strategies have you found to be most effective in these collaborations?

Pedagogical Advantages & Best Practices

  1. 1.

    How do you currently incorporate ChatGPT into your language teaching practice?

  2. 2.

    Can you provide examples of how you would use ChatGPT in different language learning activities or tasks?

  3. 3.

    What specific language skills or areas do you think ChatGPT can help students improve upon?

  4. 4.

    What benefits have you seen in your students’ language learning journey since incorporating ChatGPT into your teaching practices?

  5. 5.

    In what ways do you think ChatGPT could complement or replace traditional language learning materials?

  6. 6.

    What is/are the most innovative pedagogical ideas, teaching strategies, or creative application(s) of ChatGPT you have seen?

  7. 7.

    How do you ensure that ChatGPT is used by learners effectively in language education?

  8. 8.

    How would you ensure that students are using ChatGPT effectively as one resource or tool, among many, and not relying solely on it for their language learning?

Challenges or limitations of using ChatGPT in Language Education

  1. 1.

    Have you encountered any notable challenges or limitations when using ChatGPT, and how did you address them?

  2. 2.

    In your opinion, what are some of the most important considerations for educators who are considering incorporating generative AI into their teaching practices? What could go wrong ethically, educationally, cognitively, practically, emotionally, psychologically, etc.?

Self-Directed Learning

  1. 1.

    People are using your shared online videos in YouTube, podcast shows, online news reports and videos, e-books, social media exchanges, and other technology resources to learn one or more languages with ChatGPT. We call such learning self-directed learning. What is your definition of self-directed learning?

  2. 2.

    How have you structured or tried to enhance your videos to help people self-direct learning?

  3. 3.

    How do you foster own self-directed learning to create your YouTube videos? What do you do?

  4. 4.

    A wealth of open educational resources (OER) and online courses have emerged during the past two decades to help countless millions of people to learn in a self-directed and informal way. Explain the role that ChatGPT and generative AI can play in this movement.

ChatGPT

  1. 1.

    Have you observed any variations in the performance of ChatGPT across different languages? If so, can you provide examples?

  2. 2.

    Have you noticed any variations in the effectiveness of ChatGPT across different types of language learning tasks? If so, can you provide examples?

  3. 3.

    Can you use three words to describe ChatGPT? Explain.

Advice and future implication

  1. 1.

    How can generative AI be used to promote creativity and innovation in learning, rather than simply automating existing tasks or replicating existing content?

  2. 2.

    What advice would you give to other language instructors in terms of integrating Chat GPT and related AI tools into their language practices?

  3. 3.

    What features and functions are not yet available with ChatGPT and similar AI tools that you would like to see added and why?

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Li, B., Wang, C., Bonk, C.J. et al. Exploring Inventions in Self-Directed Language Learning with Generative AI: Implementations and Perspectives of YouTube Content Creators. TechTrends (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00960-3

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