From Tools to Literacy: Exploring EFL Learners' Engagement with AI in IDLE

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research article

Authors
Tommy Hastomo
Utami Widiati
Francisca Maria Ivone
Evynurul Laily Zen
Buyun Khulel
Nurohman Nurohman
Department of English, Faculty of Letters, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang, Indonesia
10.48311/LRR/lrr.2025.116370.0
Abstract
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education has reshaped how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students learn beyond classrooms. While prior studies focused on formal learning settings, this research explores how Indonesian EFL learners independently use AI tools for informal digital learning. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, the study involved 20 participants from five universities across Indonesia. Data were gathered through semi-structured Zoom interviews and were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Findings indicate that learners employ AI as a scaffolding partner for writing, a conversational interlocutor for speaking, and a motivational aid fostering autonomy. However, concerns arise regarding overreliance, algorithmic bias, and loss of personal voice. Students address these through adaptive strategies such as hybrid feedback systems and evaluative judgment. The study highlights the pedagogical importance of fostering critical AI literacy in EFL contexts and recommends further longitudinal and interdisciplinary research to ensure ethical and sustainable AI integration.

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Subjects

Language Related Research

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 December 2025