Teachers’ Use of Generative AI in Jordanian Universities: Practices and Perceptions

Authors

  • Saja Wardat

    Department of English Language and Literature, Irbid University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Irbid 1293, Jordan

  • Prof. Mohammed Akour

    College of Computer and Information Sciences, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 12435, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9644

Abstract

The rise of Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and ChatPDF offers transformative possibilities in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. This study investigates how EFL instructors in Jordanian universities perceive and use AI tools to develop reading and writing materials. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 87 instructors via surveys and 15 via semi-structured interviews. Results show that while instructors recognize the benefits of AI in enhancing material quality, saving preparation time, and improving student engagement, they also express concerns regarding student overreliance, ethical implications, and challenges of integrating AI into traditional curricula. The findings suggest a critical need for targeted professional development to enhance AI literacy among instructors. Importantly, this study addresses a regional gap by offering empirical insights into AI adoption in Jordanian higher education. It contributes to the global and Middle Eastern understanding of opportunities and challenges in promoting responsible and effective AI integration in EFL teaching.

Keywords:

Generative AI; EFL Teaching; Reading Materials; Writing Instruction; Jordanian universities; Middle East Education; AI Literacy; Teacher Perceptions

References

[1] Moorhouse, B.L., Kohnke, L., 2024. The effects of generative AI on initial language teacher education: the perceptions of teacher educators. System. 122, 103290. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2024.103290

[2] Zawacki-Richter, O., Marín, V.I., Bond, M., et al., 2019. Systematic review of research on artificial intelligence applications in higher education–where are the educators? International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. 16(1), 1–27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0171-0

[3] Xin, J.J., 2024. Investigating EFL teachers’ use of generative AI to develop reading materials: a practice and perception study. Language Teaching Research. 23, 13621688241303321. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/136216882413033

[4] Vera, F., 2023. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in the EFL classroom: benefits and challenges. Transformar. 4(2), 66–77.

[5] UNESCO, 2021. Vancouver declaration: the memory of the world in the digital age – digitization and preservation. Available from: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137 (cited 20 February 2025).

[6] OECD, (2023). AI and the future of skills, volume 2: methods for evaluating AI capabilities. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1787/a9fe53cb-en (cited 18 February 2025). .

[7] Selwyn, N., 2019. Should Robots Replace Teachers? AI and the Future of Education. John Wiley & Sons: Hoboken, NJ, USA. pp. 1–160.

[8] Wang, S., Wang, F., Zhu, Z., et al., 2024. Artificial intelligence in education: a systematic literature review. Expert Systems with Applications. 252, 124167. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2024.124167

[9] Luckin, R., Holmes, W., Griffiths, M., et al., 2016. Intelligence unleashed: an argument for AI in education. UCL Knowledge Lab: London, UK. pp. 1–61.

[10] Huang, W., Hew, K.F., Fryer, L.K., 2022. Chatbots for language learning—are they really useful? A systematic review of chatbot‐supported language learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. 38(1), 237–257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12610

[11] Alotaibi, N.S., Alshehri, A.H., 2023. Prospers and obstacles in using artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia higher education institutions—the potential of AI-based learning outcomes. Sustainability. 15(13), 10723. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310723

[12] Alqahtani, N., 2024. Benefits, challenges, and attitudes toward ChatGPT in English writing courses at Saudi universities. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies. 6(2), 396–413. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v6i2.1739

[13] Alnasib, B.N., 2023. Factors affecting faculty members’ readiness to integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices: a study from the Saudi higher education context. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 22(8), 465–491. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.8.24

[14] Abuzaid, N., 2024. The reality of using artificial intelligence among university students. Intercontinental Journal of Social Sciences. 1(6), 408–426. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62583/cgfvb694

[15] Chukhno, O., 2024. Teachers and learners’bperspectives on the use of generative AI in foreign language education. Modern Information Technologies and Innovation Methodologies of Education in Professional Training Methodology Theory Experience Problems. (73), 53–60. DOI: 10.31652/2412-1142-2024-73-53-60

[16] Liang, T., Duarte, N., Yue, G., 2023. An evolutionary study of the impact of artificial intelligence technology on foreign language education. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (IJET). 18(19), 190–204. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i19.43821

[17] Goldberg, D., Sobo, E., Frazee, J., et al., 2024. Generative AI in higher education: Insights from a campus-wide student survey at a large public university. Proceedings of The Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education; march 25, 2024; Waynesville, NC, USA. pp. 757–766.

[18] Holmes, W., Bialik, M., Fadel, C., 2022. Artificial Intelligence in Education: Promises and Implications for Teaching and Learning. Center for Curriculum Redesign: Boston, MA, USA.

[19] Tapalova, O., Zhiyenbayeva, N., 2022. Artificial intelligence in education: AIEd for personalised learning pathways. Electronic Journal of e-Learning. 20(5), 639–653.

[20] Murgatroyd, S., 2023. Rethinking teaching in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Revista Paraguaya De Educación A Distancia (REPED). 4(2), 4–10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56152/reped2023-vol4num2-art1

[21] Zaman, S., Hussain, M.S., Tabassam, M., 2024. Use of artificial intelligence in education: english language teachers’ identity negotiation in higher education. Journal of Asian Development Studies. 13(3), 861–869. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62345/jads.2024.13.3.70

[22] Lavidas, K., Voulgari, I., Papadakis, S., et al., 2024. Determinants of humanities and social sciences students’ intentions to use artificial intelligence applications for academic purposes. Information. 15(6), 314. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/info15060314

[23] Davis, F.D., 1989. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly. 13(3), 319–340. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/249008

[24] Alasmari, T. (2025). Artificial intelligence and M-learning in Arabic countries: innovations, trends, and regional perspectives. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 19(5), 170. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v19i05.52735

[25] Karakose, T., Polat, H., Yirci, R., et al., 2023. Assessment of the relationships between prospective mathematics teachers’ classroom management anxiety, academic self-efficacy beliefs, academic amotivation and attitudes toward the teaching profession using structural equation modelling. Mathematics. 11(2), 449. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/math11020449

[26] Balaskas, S., Tsiantos, V., Chatzifotiou, S., et al., 2025. Determinants of ChatGPT adoption intention in higher education: expanding on TAM with the mediating roles of trust and risk. Information. 16(2), 82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/info16020082

[27] Hossain, M.K., Al Younus, M.A., 2025. Teachers’ perspectives on integrating ChatGPT into EFL writing instruction. TESOL Communications, 4(1), 41–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58304/tc.20250103

[28] Nazli, K., Jumani, S., Masum, R., 2025. The effectiveness of AI-powered corrective feedback on students' writing performance. Pakistan Social Sciences Review. 9(1), 391–403. DOI: https://doi.org/10.35484/pssr.2025(9-I)31

[29] Alharbi, W., 2023. AI in the foreign language classroom: a pedagogical overview of automated writing assistance tools. Education Research International. 2023(1), 4253331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4253331

[30] Teng, M. F., 2024. A systematic review of ChatGPT for English as a foreign language writing: opportunities, challenges, and recommendations. International Journal of TESOL Studies, 6(3), 36–57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58304/ijts.20240304

[31] Song, C., Song, Y., 2023. Enhancing academic writing skills and motivation: assessing the efficacy of ChatGPT in AI-assisted language learning for EFL students. Frontiers in Psychology. 14, 1260843. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1260843

[32] Oweis, T., English education in a globalized world: uncovering new themes and research gaps for the 21st century. English Teaching: Practice & Critique. 24(1), 51–74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ETPC-09-2024-0135

[33] Shamsuddinova, S., Heryani, P., Naval, M.A., 2024. Evolution to revolution: critical exploration of educators’ perceptions of the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the teaching and learning process in the GCC region. International Journal of Educational Research. 125, 102326. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102326

[34] Imran, M., Almusharraf, N., 2024. Google Gemini as a next generation AI educational tool: a review of emerging educational technology. Smart Learning Environments. 11(1), 22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-024-00310-z

[35] Creswell, J.W., Clark, V.L., 2017. Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. SAGE Publications, Inc.: Thousand Oaks, California, USA. pp. 1–520.

[36] Braun, V., Clarke, V., 2006. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 3, 77–101.

[37] Hoke, T., 2024. AI with a Heart: Integrating Emotional Intelligence and Sustainability in Smart Education for 21st Century Learners. Proceedings of The International Conference on Sustainability: Developments and Innovations; October 27, 2024; Singapore. (pp. 458–465).

[38] Wardat, S., Akour, M., 2025. AI-powered language learning tools and their impact on EFL students’ speaking anxiety in Jordanian Universities. Journal of Posthumanism. 5(3), 756–772.

Downloads

How to Cite

Wardat, S., & Akour, M. (2025). Teachers’ Use of Generative AI in Jordanian Universities: Practices and Perceptions. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(6), 90–102. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i6.9644